[Nasolith removal with ultrasound lithotripsy]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Endoscopic Surgery
• Urology

Background:

• Rhinoliths, or nasal calculi, can cause significant nasal obstruction.
• Traditional rhinolith removal can be challenging, especially for large or impacted masses.

Observation:

• A patient presented with complete nasal obstruction due to a large rhinolith.
• The rhinolith was too large for simple, non-invasive removal.

Findings:

• A lithotripter, commonly used for urological stone disintegration, was employed to reduce the rhinolith's size.
• Endoscopic visualization facilitated the precise application of the lithotripter.
• Successful fragmentation and removal of the rhinolith were achieved.

Implications:

• This novel application of a lithotripter offers a minimally invasive option for complex rhinolith cases.
• The technique expands the armamentarium for endoscopic management of nasal pathologies.
• It provides a viable solution for rhinoliths resistant to conventional removal methods.