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Article: The effect of silver nitrate on nasal septal cartilage.
- Article from:
- Ear, Nose and Throat Journal
- Article date:
- January 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Vendome Group LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Abstract
Epistaxis from the anterior septum is frequently treated with a topical application of silver nitrate, which cauterizes the bleeding vessel. However, this treatment causes a septal perforation in a small percentage of patients. We report our study of the histologic effect of topical silver nitrate on samples of septal tissue obtained from 11 patients. We found that 30 seconds of exposure allowed silver nitrate to penetrate to a depth of approximately 1 mm. Longer exposure (45 and 60 sec) resulted in no significant additional penetration. Similarly, the amount of silver nitrate deposition into the chondrocytic lacunae did not vary significantly with the ...