Stéphane Spinhirny’s journey is yet another sad story that highlights the consequences associated with rhinoplasty, particularly the development of Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS). Stéphane´s experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone considering such procedures, emphasizing the importance of informed consent and careful selection of medical professionals. Stéphane Spinhirny ended the suffering inflicted on him by his surgeons in 2013 and is no longer with us.
Link to Stéphane Spinhirny´s blog
A Quest for Change
Initially, Spinhirny sought rhinoplasty to address aesthetic concerns and alleviate functional breathing issues caused by a deviated septum. He believed that surgery would enhance both his physical appearance and his overall quality of life. However, as he began his search for a qualified ENT specialist, he encountered numerous challenges that would lead him down a troubling path.
The Surgical Journey
Spinhirny consulted multiple surgeons, each with varying degrees of expertise and reputations. One of the most significant figures in his narrative is Gilles Ayoun, whom Spinhirny describes as “a real idiot to avoid; a liar, incompetent and dangerous.”
Despite his initial hopes, Spinhirny soon realized that many surgeons were more focused on financial gain than on patient care. He stated, “the liberal professions benefit from protection and the right to censor those who do not suit them,” reflecting his frustration with the medical community's lack of accountability. This disillusionment deepened when he received inadequate responses to his concerns about the surgery’s impact on his health.
The Aftermath: Empty Nose Syndrome
Following his rhinoplasty, Spinhirny unfortunately developed Empty Nose Syndrome, a condition that can manifest after nasal surgeries, particularly those involving the turbinates. ENS is characterized by a sensation of nasal obstruction despite clear nasal passages, leading to significant distress. Spinhirny described how the surgery he underwent, which was initially meant to alleviate his issues, instead left him with permanent breathing problems and a profound sense of despair.
His experience with ENS was not limited to breathing difficulties; it also profoundly affected his sleep quality. He reported issues such as insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns, which are common among those suffering from ENS. The inability to breathe comfortably through the nose at night made it challenging for him to achieve restful sleep, exacerbating feelings of fatigue and mental fog. This chronic lack of sleep further impacted his emotional health, leading to increased anxiety and frustration.
Spinhirny recounted how he encountered a troubling pattern with various ENT specialists. Many seemed to dismiss or overlook the complexity of his condition. He noted, “do not believe surgeons who promise you to only touch your septum; it is Russian roulette.” This statement reflects his frustration with the surgical community's understanding of the intricate relationships between the nasal structures and the potential consequences of surgery.
The psychological impact of ENS was severe for Spinhirny. He felt a deep sense of loss and frustration as he navigated the complications arising from what was supposed to be a transformative procedure. The condition not only affected his physical health but also took a toll on his mental well-being. He lamented, “in medical matters, I can say that paranoia is a virtue that saves lives,” underscoring the need for vigilance when undergoing medical treatments.
Spinhirny consulted multiple surgeons, each with varying degrees of expertise and reputations. One of the most significant figures in his narrative is Gilles Ayoun, whom Spinhirny describes as “a real idiot to avoid; a liar, incompetent and dangerous.”
Despite his initial hopes, Spinhirny soon realized that many surgeons were more focused on financial gain than on patient care. He stated, “the liberal professions benefit from protection and the right to censor those who do not suit them,” reflecting his frustration with the medical community's lack of accountability. This disillusionment deepened when he received inadequate responses to his concerns about the surgery’s impact on his health.
The Aftermath: Empty Nose Syndrome
Following his rhinoplasty, Spinhirny unfortunately developed Empty Nose Syndrome, a condition that can manifest after nasal surgeries, particularly those involving the turbinates. ENS is characterized by a sensation of nasal obstruction despite clear nasal passages, leading to significant distress. Spinhirny described how the surgery he underwent, which was initially meant to alleviate his issues, instead left him with permanent breathing problems and a profound sense of despair.
His experience with ENS was not limited to breathing difficulties; it also profoundly affected his sleep quality. He reported issues such as insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns, which are common among those suffering from ENS. The inability to breathe comfortably through the nose at night made it challenging for him to achieve restful sleep, exacerbating feelings of fatigue and mental fog. This chronic lack of sleep further impacted his emotional health, leading to increased anxiety and frustration.
Spinhirny recounted how he encountered a troubling pattern with various ENT specialists. Many seemed to dismiss or overlook the complexity of his condition. He noted, “do not believe surgeons who promise you to only touch your septum; it is Russian roulette.” This statement reflects his frustration with the surgical community's understanding of the intricate relationships between the nasal structures and the potential consequences of surgery.
The psychological impact of ENS was severe for Spinhirny. He felt a deep sense of loss and frustration as he navigated the complications arising from what was supposed to be a transformative procedure. The condition not only affected his physical health but also took a toll on his mental well-being. He lamented, “in medical matters, I can say that paranoia is a virtue that saves lives,” underscoring the need for vigilance when undergoing medical treatments.
Health and Psychological Challenges after Septoplasty
Spinhirny's struggles with ENS were compounded by feelings of isolation and misunderstanding. He noted that many medical professionals lacked the empathy needed to address the emotional distress experienced by patients suffering from this syndrome. His reflections on various consultations reveal a pattern of skepticism and disappointment. He recounted encounters with doctors who seemed dismissive of his concerns, stating, “health is a business,” which only heightened his mistrust.
Moreover, the constant discomfort and disrupted sleep contributed to significant anxiety and depression. Spinhirny's quality of life drastically diminished, leaving him feeling hopeless. He described his experience as a nightmare, stating, “I am beginning to believe that French medical schools have fallen to the level of sociology or law schools and that the title of surgeon is obtained through corruption or cheating.” This reflection highlights his disillusionment not just with individual practitioners but with the broader medical system as a whole.
Through his trials, he emphasized the importance of thorough research and careful consideration before undergoing any surgical procedure. He cautioned others against hasty decisions, particularly when dealing with surgeons who do not belong to recognized medical societies, such as the EAFPS, which signifies a commitment to standards in the field.
Moreover, the constant discomfort and disrupted sleep contributed to significant anxiety and depression. Spinhirny's quality of life drastically diminished, leaving him feeling hopeless. He described his experience as a nightmare, stating, “I am beginning to believe that French medical schools have fallen to the level of sociology or law schools and that the title of surgeon is obtained through corruption or cheating.” This reflection highlights his disillusionment not just with individual practitioners but with the broader medical system as a whole.
Through his trials, he emphasized the importance of thorough research and careful consideration before undergoing any surgical procedure. He cautioned others against hasty decisions, particularly when dealing with surgeons who do not belong to recognized medical societies, such as the EAFPS, which signifies a commitment to standards in the field.
Quotes from Stéphane Spinhirny´s blog:
"The person most likely to kill you is not a relative or a friend or a mugger or a burglar or a drunk driver. The person most likely to kill you is your doctor"; Professor Even estimates that 100,000 deaths occur accidentally in hospitals each year; "doctors have a lower intellectual level than the rest of the population; they are stupid, narrow minded, speak in a pseudo-initiate dialect, t, and are prisoners of an autocratic way of thinking that makes them believe that they hold the exclusive truth"To wrap it up:
The psychological and physical toll of conditions like Empty Nose Syndrome should not be underestimated, and those seeking surgical interventions must be fully aware of the potential consequences of their choices.
Summary:
Name: Stéphane Spinhirny
Gender: Male
Year of Birth: 1982
Year of Death: 2013 (age 30)
Country: France
First Surgery:
Year: October 2011
Surgeon: Gilles Ayoun
Type: Septoplasty
Details: Removal of septal cartilage
Second Surgery:
Year: October 2012
Surgeon: Dr. Miriam Bönisch
Type: Rhino-septoplasty
Details: Reconstruction of the nasal septum using cartilage from the ear, secured with a PDS plate
Surgery Details:
Ayoun removed septal cartilage; Bönisch removed part of the cartilage from
the ear and
sutured it with the rest of the nasal septum via a PDS plate.
Informed Consent:
Not informed about the potential consequences of the procedures
Symptom Onset:
Immediately following the initial septoplasty
Symptoms:
Constant sensation of nasal blockage Dry nose, crusting
Insomnia (required medication for sleep)
Depression
Referred to surgical outcome as a "massacre"
Insomnia (required medication for sleep)
Depression
Referred to surgical outcome as a "massacre"
Late symptoms:
Persistent insomnia
Severe depression
Treatments Attempted:
Nasonex
Derinox
Impact on Quality of Life:
Post-operation: Unlivable
Testimony:
Stéphane shared a video testimony documenting his experience
and symptoms. Watch this video further down.
Family Impact:
Left behind his parents: Father, Denis Spinhirny (police officer),
and mother, Jeannine Poncin (secretary)
Aftermath:
Devastating impact on family; raised awareness of ENS
Legal Action:
Filed a complaint with the medical board in 2012 but did not pursue further legal action
