Endoscopic management of nasal myiasis: A 10 years experience

Abstract

Background: The present study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of endoscopic removal with conventional techniques in nasal myiasis patients. Materials and methods: Out of 144, 72 nasal myiasis patients treated using Hopkins rigid nasal endoscope and visible caudal end of maggots was grasped with Blakesley forceps and removed during endoscopy. Rests were identified from crawling movements or the visible caudal end was buried in necrotic material. Complete clearance of cavernous cavity of maggots in affected nasal cavity from anterior nares to choanae was done and same was repeated on other side if needed. Results: The mean age in two groups was 57.5 years (range 40-60) in nasal myiasis patients whereas there were 20% males and 80% females. Mean duration of nasal symptom in both groups was 2 days. Endoscopically mean 120 maggots (range: 90-160) were removed in first sitting as compared to conventional technique where mean of 80 (range: 40-90) were achieved. The mean duration of endoscopic treatment was 2 days whereas in control group it was 5 days. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Nasal endoscopic procedure is superior to the manual extraction method for removal of maggots. The larvae located in deep and inaccessible areas can be identified and removed easily. The disease was controlled in shorter time and in fewer sittings. Further the quick and complete eradication of myiasis ensures less damage to the intranasal tissues.