How to Clean a Stent

Nasal stents are used after plastic surgery procedures that repair cleft palates or other abnormalities. These small rubber tubes are meant to hold nasal cavities open and provide support for cartilage. Stents can be sewn in or removable, depending upon the specific procedure. Your doctor may require that they stay in place for up to three months. Cleaning stents ensures that your child can breathe properly, which is why it's an important part of surgical aftercare.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Saline nasal drops
• Bulb syringe

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water. The stents are a surgical instrument and you don't want to introduce bacteria that could cause infection.

• 2

  Place a few drops of nasal saline such as Little Noses, OceanMist or Ayr, into each stent. These drops are a saline solution which breaks-up nasal mucous, allowing it to be removed safely from the nose.

• 3

  Insert a bulb syringe into each nostril and gently suck the mucous out of the nose. Don't plug the other nasal cavity as it may cause your child pain. Repeat this process as needed, to remove nasal secretions and drainage that are common after surgery.

• 4

  Wash removable stents with warm water. Reinsert the stents using the directions provided by your doctor. When the stents aren't in use, place them together in their sterilized carrying case.