Closure of the nostrils in atrophic rhinitis - A case report.

A 22-year-old female with atrophic rhinitis was treated by closure of the nostrils. She had both nostrils completely closed, but could not tolerate nasal obstruction. On the 49th postoperative day, small openings were made at the center of both nostrils (partial nostril closure)to relieve the obstruction. Spccimen taken from the inferior turbinates and SEM at the time of closure showed sparse, absent or dwarf-like cilia. The postoperative specimens showed regenerated cilia. Now, one year and 10 months later, she is satisfied with the results except for slight crust formation and postnasal drip.