The ancient practice of sutra neti leading to velopharyngeal stenosis: case report

An ancient yoga technique called sutra neti, which is extensively used in India to keep the sinuses healthy, led to complete velopharyngeal stenosis in a 67-year-old male patient who presented with bilateral nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, anosmia and a change in voice. The patient was diagnosed by nasal endoscopy using a zero-degree Hopkins rod endoscope, and adhesions were released using coblation. The patient had post-operative alleviation of symptoms and a patent velopharyngeal inlet on examination. Vigorous sutra neti can lead to velopharyngeal stenosis. Release of the stenosis is then required to cure the nasal blockade.