From Rhinoplasty to Tragedy: The Fatal Impact of Empty Nose Syndrome on Raphaël Goblet

Empty Nose Syndrome case · Belgium

Raphaël: Empty Nose Syndrome After Septoplasty, Turbinate Reduction and Nasal Implant Surgery

Raphaël lived in Chaumont-Gistoux in the Brussels region of Belgium. According to the source material, he developed severe Empty Nose Syndrome symptoms after septoplasty and turbinate reduction, later undergoing implant surgery in an attempt to improve airflow resistance and dryness.

Raphaël was born on January 25, 1987 in Ixelles, Brussels. The source account states that he later underwent septoplasty and turbinate reduction and subsequently developed ENS. It also reports a septal perforation after surgery and describes a later attempt at nasal reconstruction using acrylic implants.

Source note: This page is based on the supplied memorial and case material. Statements concerning individual surgeons, the origin of the septal perforation, implant selection, implant rejection and medical responsibility are presented as source-reported claims rather than independently verified findings.

NameRaphaël

BornJanuary 25, 1987

LocationChaumont-Gistoux, Belgium

Initial surgerySeptoplasty + turbinate reduction

Later treatmentNasal implant surgery

Passed awayMarch 7, 2013

On this page

1. Video
2. Septoplasty and turbinate reduction
3. Acrylic implant surgery
4. Empty Nose Syndrome symptoms
5. Questions about informed consent and recognition
6. Supporting documentation

Video about Raphaël’s ENS case

Septoplasty, turbinate reduction and the beginning of ENS symptoms

Original image from the source page. Click to open the full-size version.

According to the source material, Raphaël underwent septoplasty together with turbinate reduction during adulthood. The account identifies Dr. Philippe Rombaux as the surgeon and reports that a perforation was also created in the nasal septum.

After surgery, Raphaël developed symptoms described as Empty Nose Syndrome. The case material emphasizes the contrast between an anatomically open nasal passage and the persistent sensation that breathing was not functioning normally.

Acrylic nasal implant surgery in an attempt to restore resistance

As his condition worsened, Raphaël sought further treatment. According to the supplied account, he later underwent nasal implant surgery with Dr. Gilles Ayoun.

The intended purpose of the implant was to increase resistance inside the nasal cavity, reduce excessive airflow and improve dryness. The source states that acrylic material, commonly referred to as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), was used.

The case narrative reports that Raphaël did not tolerate the acrylic implants and that his condition worsened afterward. This is presented here as the source account; no independent medical record review has been performed on this page.

Empty Nose Syndrome symptoms described in Raphaël’s case

The source material describes ENS as a severe post-surgical condition involving altered nasal airflow, sensory disturbance and impaired humidification. Raphaël’s difficulties were reported to include suffocation-like breathing sensations, insomnia, dryness and major loss of quality of life.

Air hunger and abnormal breathing sensation A persistent feeling that normal nasal breathing was not being perceived correctly despite an open nasal passage.

Nasal dryness and crusting Loss of normal humidification can leave the nasal cavity chronically dry and irritated.

Severe sleep disturbance ENS patients frequently describe major difficulty sleeping when breathing sensations become uncomfortable or distressing.

Fatigue and reduced daily function Persistent breathing disturbance and sleep loss can substantially reduce physical and cognitive functioning.

Altered smell and environmental sensitivity The source material mentions changes in smell and increased sensitivity to smoke, odors and airborne particles.

Emotional distress Chronic breathing discomfort and severe insomnia can be accompanied by anxiety, low mood and isolation.

About prevalence claims: The original commentary cites an estimate that around 20% of turbinate reductions may lead to ENS. That figure is not presented here as an established prevalence rate because the supplied material does not provide a sufficiently strong source for it.

Informed consent, recognition and questions raised by the case

A central theme of the original page is informed consent. The author argues that patients should be clearly told when turbinate surgery is planned and should understand the possibility of long-term changes in nasal airflow, dryness and sensation.

The source also strongly criticizes what it describes as inadequate recognition of ENS by some clinicians. Rather than repeating accusations as established fact, this page preserves the broader concern: patients with severe new symptoms after nasal surgery may struggle to have those symptoms understood and documented.

Raphaël’s case is presented by the source as a warning about the importance of conservative nasal surgery, informed consent and long-term follow-up when severe post-operative symptoms develop.

Raphaël passed away on March 7, 2013 at the age of 26 after a prolonged period of severe symptoms. The original memorial places his story alongside other people whose lives were profoundly affected after nasal surgery.

Supporting Documentation

View Raphaël Supporting Documentation