Abstract

Nasal ala pressure sores or necrosis is sometimes reported following prolonged nasotracheal intubation which in some cases may become permanent. The actual incidence of alar pressure sores caused by the pressure of naso-endotracheal tubes that remains in situ for a longer duration is not well documented and is often under reported. It is generally noticed at the time of extubation and becomes an embarrassing issue for the surgeon. The effects of nasal alar pressure sores are in most cases minor and self-limiting, but in few cases when necrosis sets in, it results in severe functional and cosmetic deficits with negative impact on patients’ health, satisfaction and quality of life. In this paper we have discussed about simple yet novel techniques that we employ in our institution that aids us in avoiding this potential complication. By meticulously applying the techniques we can avoid such extreme instances and hence recommend these techniques.