Polyvinyl Sponge as a Nasal Implant in Ozaena

Abstract

The methods used in the treatment of ozaena from ancient Egyptian times until the present day are briefly reviewed. The advantages and drawbacks of auto-, homo-, hetero- and alloplastic material are discussed. The author has used an endonasal implantation method in the operative treatment of 36 patients with genuine ozaena. As implantation material a polyvinyl sponge was used, bearing the trade name Ivalon. The period of observation has ranged from 2 to 44 years. In two-thirds of the cases the implant has been encapsulated without complications. In one-third, the implant has been entirely or partially expelled or removed, or a fistula has developed postoperatively after some length of time. Even in this group the symptoms of ozaena have improved in several cases, however. In 26 cases the operative results are very good, in eight cases a marked improvement has been noted, and in two cases there has been no improvement. In no case have the symptoms been exacerbated by the operation.