Nostril stenosis after undue power application of electric cauterization used in hypertrophy of inferior turbinate

Nostril stenosis is an uncommon deformity with a variable aetiology. It may be either congenital or acquired. The causes of the acquired form includes trauma, infection and iatrogenic injury to the vestibular skin. Previous surgery including septoplasty and rhinoplasty, overzealous use of chemicals, laser, electrocauterization and traumatic placement of nasal packing to control epistaxis contribute significantly to the development of vestibular stenosis. Electrocauterization for inferior concha hypertrophy is a simple procedure and is frequently used in otolaryngeology-head and neck surgery. If enough attention is not paid during the operation, it may cause severe nasal obstruction and an aesthetic deformity which cannot be repaired easily. Various techniques have been described for repair of this stenotic segment but correction is difficult due to tendency of wound-contracture and recurrence. We present a case of a 58-year-old male patient complaining of nasal obstruction and an aesthetic deformity who had sought treatment for stenosis of the left nostril of 6 months duration. Previously, the patient had undergone septoplasty and electrocauterization for inferior turbinate hypertrophy.