Rare Complication Associated With Dislocation of a Silastic Nasal Splint After Septoplasty: A Case Report

Septoplasty is among the most frequently performed procedures in the field of otorhinolaryngology. Adhesion is known to be the most common complication occurring after septoplasty. Post-surgical insertion of silicone splints is a widely used measure for the prevention of postoperative complications. Recently, we encountered a case where the silicone splint was dislocated and further displaced to the level of the upper esophageal sphincter. Although it was safely removed using fiberoptic gastroendoscopy, delayed removal could have induced other serious sequelae. Since no similar cases have been previously reported, we believe that this may be a very rare complication induced by a loose absorbable suture. Therefore, we suggest that otorhinolaryngologists should pay attention to the fixation of a silicone splint with sutures under appropriate tension to prevent the dislocation of the silicone splint and its subsequent sequelae.