Accidental partial middle turbinectomy: A rare complication of nasal intubation

Abstract

We report a case of accidental partial avulsion of the middle turbinate during nasotracheal intubation while inducing anesthesia at the time of an elective surgery. This is a rare complication with very few cases reported until date in the literature. This case report demonstrates the importance of early detection and management of this potentially dangerous complication. Traumatic avulsion of turbinate secondary to nasal intubation may mimic presence of an abnormal nasopharyngeal mass as experienced in this case.