Empty Nose Syndrome case · France
Stéphane Spinhirny (1982–2013): Empty Nose Syndrome After Septoplasty and Revision Rhinoseptoplasty
Stéphane Spinhirny documented severe nasal obstruction sensations, dryness, crusting, insomnia and psychological distress after nasal surgery. His blog, videos and case records remain an important first-person account of post-surgical Empty Nose Syndrome.
Stéphane sought nasal surgery for a combination of aesthetic concerns and functional breathing problems associated with a deviated septum. According to the case summary, his first operation took place in October 2011 and was followed immediately by severe new nasal symptoms. A second reconstructive rhinoseptoplasty followed in October 2012.
The surgical journey: from septoplasty to severe post-operative symptoms
Stéphane initially hoped surgery would improve both the appearance of his nose and his breathing. The case summary identifies his first procedure as a septoplasty performed in October 2011.
According to the supplied material, septal cartilage was removed during this first operation. Stéphane later described the outcome in extremely negative terms and believed he had not been adequately informed about the potential consequences.
His symptoms reportedly began immediately after the initial procedure. Instead of the improvement he expected, he experienced a persistent sensation of nasal blockage even though the nasal passages were not necessarily physically obstructed.
Empty Nose Syndrome symptoms, insomnia and declining quality of life
Stéphane described a combination of symptoms consistent with the way Empty Nose Syndrome is discussed in patient accounts: paradoxical obstruction, dryness, crusting, abnormal breathing sensation and severe sleep disturbance.
Stéphane’s writings show how strongly the physical symptoms influenced his emotional state. He repeatedly expressed frustration that medical professionals did not understand or acknowledge the severity of what he was experiencing.
October 2012: reconstructive rhinoseptoplasty
The case summary describes a second operation in October 2012 with Dr. Miriam Bönisch. This procedure is identified as a rhinoseptoplasty intended to reconstruct the nasal septum.
According to the supplied material, cartilage was taken from the ear and used to reconstruct the septum together with a PDS plate. The procedure followed the earlier removal of septal cartilage during the first operation.
Septal cartilage was reportedly removed. Severe nasal symptoms began immediately afterward.
Stéphane documented obstruction sensations, dryness, crusting, insomnia and major psychological distress.
The source summary states that Stéphane filed a complaint but did not pursue broader legal action.
Ear cartilage and a PDS plate were reportedly used in an attempt to reconstruct the septum.
He was 30 years old. His blog and recordings continued to circulate as part of ENS awareness efforts.
Stéphane Spinhirny’s blog: documenting ENS and warning future patients
Stéphane created a blog focused on his experience with septoplasty, rhinoplasty and post-operative complications. His writing was highly critical of the medical care he received and repeatedly urged prospective patients to research surgeons and procedures carefully.
His posts focused on informed consent, careful surgeon selection, the relationship between nasal structures and breathing sensation, the difficulty of obtaining help after a poor surgical outcome, and the emotional consequences of persistent insomnia and breathing discomfort.
One of his recurring warnings was that patients should not assume a seemingly limited nasal procedure will necessarily remain limited to the structure discussed before surgery.
Stéphane’s video testimony archive
Stéphane also recorded video testimony about his symptoms and surgical experience. The two original Blogger-hosted videos from the source page are preserved below.
Impact on quality of life and family
The case summary describes Stéphane’s post-operative quality of life as extremely poor. Persistent insomnia and depression were among the later symptoms highlighted in the source material.
He left behind his parents, Denis Spinhirny and Jeannine Poncin. His experience later became part of wider ENS awareness material, particularly discussions about informed consent and the long-term consequences that some patients report after nasal surgery.
Original sources and supporting documentation
Stéphane’s own blog, YouTube account and supporting case PDF are available below.
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