Nasal septal abscess following septoplasty in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

A man in his 50s with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presented with a nasal septal abscess 3 weeks following septoplasty. Diabetes mellitus has been reported in association with nasal septal abscess, thought to be due to a relative immunodeficient state. We present an unusual, delayed presentation of nasal septal abscess following septoplasty and performed a literature review. Nasal septal abscess is rare. It is associated with significant complications if not diagnosed and management expediently. The association between T2DM and nasal septal abscess following septoplasty emphasises the importance of good perioperative blood sugar control and postoperative nasal care and raises the question of empirical antibiotics in this group.