AFTER-RESULTS
Incomplete operation may be unsatisfactory in many ways. Thus, nasal obstruction may be unrelieved: foci of suppuration may be left in the accessory sinuses: portions of adenoid growth or tonsils left behind may continue to give trouble: malignant growths may not be extirpated freely enough. On the other hand, operations may fail to relieve, or even produce a worse state of affairs, if too much tissue be sacrificed. This is important as regards the nose, owing to the important respiratory and defensive function of its mucous membrane. It is a good rule to injure the inferior turbinal as little as possible, otherwise a condition of crusting rhinitis may be set up, with secondary atrophy in the pharynx and larynx.[50]
Much judgment is required in adapting the suitable operation to each case. While in some instances one or more small interventions are all that is required, in another a well-planned and more extensive operation may be indicated. In any case, the advice of Semon should be kept in mind, viz. that the magnitude of an operation should not exceed the gravity of the symptoms calling for relief.
CHAPTER II
OPERATIONS FOR INJURIES, DEFORMITIES, FOREIGN BODIES,
AND RHINOLITHS: OPERATIONS UPON THE TURBINALS:
OPERATIONS IN SYPHILIS AND LUPUS
OPERATIONS FOR INJURIES TO THE NOSE
The external injuries of the nose belong to general surgery. It might be well to recollect that the fleshy end of the nose may be completely detached, and yet, if carefully and promptly replaced, perfect union will occur.[51]
FRACTURES OF THE NASAL BONES AND SEPTUM
Setting a recent fracture. One or both nasal bones may be displaced, causing a flat bridge with a sharp ridge on either side.