Patient Reviews

“Dr. Kotler,

Thank you for the helpful information and the referral. I have already made an appointment, and if you don’t mind, I would like to keep you informed about my progress.

I also would like to address the new invention that you created to keep air passages open during nasal surgery. I think that it is brilliant and long overdue. In the 70’s I had an automobile accident that necessitated having my nose reconstructed and extensive back surgery. The worst part of that time was that I couldn’t breathe due to the packing in my nose. Sure, I was in agony over the back, but my worst memory was not being able to breathe. Immediately after my release from the hospital, I was told that I would have to have my nose redone to open up my air passage that was compromised due to the pull of scar tissue. I refused to go through the procedure because of the aspect of not being able to breathe. Now, you show me your invention, and I am thoroughly impressed. I am definitely considering having my nose redone, and I am only considering it because of your invention. What a difference the procedure would make to anyone anticipating rhinoplasty! You have truly revolutionized the Plastic Surgery Industry.

Bravo!

Best wishes,
Cecilia“

“Dr. Kotler,

I wanted to share my experiences with you because I think it is important for you to hear from a patient who, unfortunately, did not have the advantage of having your airway tube placed after nasal surgery.

I was scheduled to have a surgical procedure involving the nasal septum and the maxillary sinus. My understanding was that my surgeon had access to your airway. I had asked him to insert it after the surgical procedure. His surgical facility had one on the shelf.

When I awakened, I was surprised that the surgeon had not inserted the airway. I asked him why. His explanation: `I didn’t think it was necessary because I did not pack your nose.`

Now, I must tell you that it is interesting that the doctor would assume that just because he did not put the packing material (I am familiar with “packing“ from discussions with friends) into my nose, that he would assume that all would be well after surgery without packing. In fact, it was not. I really think he was misguided. My surgeon had the device available for use and failed to use it, despite my request to have it, because I happen to be a bit claustrophobic. I do not do well when my nose is stuffed with a cold or allergy. It seemed to me that there would be no reason not to use this device, which I understand is quite successful.

The fact is that I was not happy after surgery, and I was not able to breathe, even though no packing was placed into my nose. Thus, I did not have the optimal experience.

In fact, failure to put the airway in generated an additional office visit to my doctor and some minor inconvenience to me. Because I could not breathe well in the first two days after surgery, I had to go to his office. At the office, he suctioned out blood clots and mucus which made me more comfortable.

Despite my request to have it inserted, the surgeon did not insert it, and I suffered from that decision. I am not mad at my surgeon, per se, because in the end, the surgery was successful. I am happy, and I expect not to have any further breathing or sinus problems. However, that really is not the point. I believe there are two major issues here:

If a patient requests that the mechanism whereby he will have a better postoperative experience is employed, why should it not be?

Maybe this surgeon, and other surgeons, deceive themselves in thinking that just because there is no mechanical blockage in the nose in the form of packing, postoperatively, that the patient will have a pleasant and unburdened experience. In my case, that was not the case.
I hope these comments are helpful to you.

– Hal”

“For me, the absolute worst thing about nasal surgery is the post-op packing. During the recovery from my first three surgeries elsewhere, I took pain kills back to back until the packing was out. The Reltok Clear-Flo Nasal Airway used on me made all the difference. What the tubes did was essential – they took out the torture feeling element and made those first five days tolerable and even comfortable at times.”
– Laurie Wilson

“I put off having nasal revision surgery for seven years because the nasal packing from my first surgery was such a bad experience. Dr. Kotler showed me the alternative of using the Reltok Clear-Flo Nasal Airway. My mother was amazed to see me being mentally comfortable and looking relaxed compared to my first experience of wanting the packing taken out every minute. The AIRWAY is the only way to go!”
– TLR

“I wanted to comment on the unbelievable results the Reltok Clear-Flo Nasal Airway provided. I had nasal surgery without the use of the AIRWAY and the improvement in my comfort and ability to breathe during my recovery was dramatic. I would highly recommend that anyone considering any type of surgery could benefit from the use of the Reltok Clear-Flo Nasal Airway. PLEASE USE THEM.”
– Colleen Kamens

“The most amazing thing was that I could breathe after surgery!!! I had never experienced this with my other surgeries nor had I ever heard of it. The fact that I could breathe out of my nose because of these tiny tubes made recovery so much more comfortable and easy. All I can say is “WOW!”
– Georgia Mayfield

“I am writing to you to let you know how much I appreciated the post-op breathing tube that was inserted for me after my nasal surgery with last week. For me, the absolute worst thing about nasal surgery is the post-op packing. The breathing tubes made all the difference. What the tubes did do was essential – Great invention!”
– Lauriann Wright

“My experience with the Reltok Clear-Flo Nasal Airway was great. It was very easy to breathe. I would recommend it to a friend/family member.”
– Orly Kashri

“Having the nasal tube in my right nostril only, I could definitely appreciate the ability to be able to breathe. I would definitely recommend the Reltok Clear-Flo Nasal Airway to anyone undergoing nasal surgery.”
– Laura Meiojas

“The tubes made it a lot easier to breathe from my nose and it helped me sleep better being able to breathe. It was a new and positive experience.”
– Peter Chairez

“While everything was in, I found it very helpful to be able to breathe out of one nostril versus not being able to breathe at all out of the other. If given the choice, I would opt for the Reltok Clear-Flo Nasal Airway.”
– Don Zirlin

“If the tubes were not in place, I would have felt more congested and even claustrophobic. It was a relief to still be able to breathe!”
– Rebecca Nelson

“The Reltok Clear-Flo Nasal Airway was my “life line” in being able to breathe and relax. I cannot imagine doing this procedure without it.”
– Evelyn Valenzuela

“I feel if I didn’t have the Reltok Clear-Flo Nasal Airway in place, my anxiety level would’ve been much higher. I was able to breathe and sleep comfortably. I feel this is a must for any nasal surgery.”
– Tina Martin

“Having the Reltok Clear-Flo Nasal Airway was much better. It allowed me to breathe through my nose, which made the whole experience less painful and more comfortable.”
– Inga Grigorian

“The first time I had surgery, the packing caused the most discomfort during the recovery process. The Reltok Clear-Flo Nasal Airway was really easy to take care of and whenever I felt it getting clogged, I could flush it out and feel better. I couldn’t feel the AIRWAY in my nose and it wasn’t uncomfortable. I also felt it was easier to keep clean.”
– Michelle Ocompo