Assessment of mucosal changes associated with nasal splint in a rabbit model.

INTRODUCTION There is no consensus on duration of the nasal splint after nasal septum surgeries. The pressure of nasal splint on the mucosa may cause tissue necrosis and nasal septum perforation. OBJECTIVES To investigate the histopathological changes of the nasal mucosa caused by nasal splints in a rabbit model. METHODS No splint was used in group A. Bilateral silicone nasal splints were placed for five, ten, and 15 days in groups B, C, and D, respectively. Biopsy of the nasal mucosa was performed after removal of splint. Histopathologic evaluations were performed. The severity and depth of the inflammation were scored. RESULTS Group A had a normal histological appearance. Comparison of the results of groups B, C, and D with group A demonstrated statistically significant differences with regards to the severity of histopathological findings. There was no statistically significant difference between groups B and C. There were statistically significant differences between the groups B and D, and also between groups C and D. CONCLUSIONS Longer duration of nasal splint had a higher risk for septal perforation. Therefore, removal of the splint as soon as possible may be helpful for preventing potential perforations.