Repair of postintubational lesions of the cartilaginous nose in infants--sometimes a surgical problem.

Among the complications of prolonged nasotracheal intubation in infants the possibility of pressure necrosis of the cartilaginous nose due to inadequate fixation or improper size of the tube is rarely mentioned. Three cases with postintubational alar defects and another child with a severe stenosis of the nasal entrance are reported. In the latter case a multi-staged reconstructive rhinoplasty had to be done in order to restore nasal breathing. While describing our surgical procedures the multiple difficulties and hazards of reconstructive rhinoplasty in early childhood are discussed.