About Rhinolith Removal
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with high success rates.Provides immediate relief from nasal obstruction and foul odor.Prevents recurrent sinus infections and further nasal damage.Typically performed as an outpatient/day-care procedure.Utilizes advanced endoscopic techniques for precision and minimal tissue trauma.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent unilateral nasal obstruction or blockage.
- Chronic foul-smelling nasal discharge (ozena).
- Recurrent episodes of sinusitis or nasal infections on one side.
- Facial pain, pressure, or headaches localized to one side of the nose.
- Nosebleeds (epistaxis) associated with a nasal mass.
- Detection of a hard, stone-like mass on clinical or radiological examination (CT scan).
How to prepare
- Detailed ENT examination including nasal endoscopy to visualize the rhinolith.
- Imaging studies like a CT scan of the nose and paranasal sinuses to assess size, location, and extent.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (local vs. general) based on patient comfort and rhinolith complexity.
- Review of medical history and current medications; may need to temporarily stop blood thinners.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours if general anesthesia is planned.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding during or after the procedure (epistaxis).
- Risk of minor injury to the nasal septum or turbinates.
- Infection at the removal site.
- Recurrence if any fragment is left behind.
- Rare risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak if the rhinolith has eroded deep into the skull base.
- Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the nose or upper teeth.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Most patients can go home the same day after observation.
- Mild nasal bleeding or discharge is common for 1-2 days.
- Use of saline nasal sprays is recommended to keep the nasal passage moist and clean.
- Avoid blowing the nose forcefully for at least one week.
- Follow-up appointment in 1-2 weeks for endoscopic evaluation to ensure complete healing.
- Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few days.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-7 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering rhinolith removal in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for rhinolith removal in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform rhinolith removal. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for rhinolith removal compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Rhinolith Removal in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing rhinolith removal.
Vihaan Iyer, a 28-year-old software engineer,...
Vihaan Iyer, a 28-year-old software engineer, had always been prone to sinus issues. For over a year, he experienced a persistent, foul-smelling discharge from his right nostril and a constant feeling of nasal obstruction. He initially dismissed it as chronic sinusitis, but antibiotics provided no relief. His girlfriend gently mentioned the odor, which deeply embarrassed him and made him socially anxious. An ENT specialist, Dr. Sharma, examined him and discovered a large, calcified rhinolith (a nasal stone) lodged deep in his nasal cavity, likely formed around a forgotten foreign body from childhood. Dr. Sharma recommended endoscopic removal under local anesthesia. During the procedure, Vihaan was awake but numb; he felt pressure and heard crunching sounds as the stone was broken and removed, which was unsettling but not painful. The immediate relief was profound, he could breathe freely through that nostril for the first time in memory. Within days, the discharge and odor were gone. Emotionally, he moved from embarrassment and frustration to immense relief and regained confidence, no longer worrying about his interactions with others.
ENT Specialists for Rhinolith Removal
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform rhinolith removal and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 38 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore