Management of Refractory Posterior Epistaxis by Sphenopalatine Artery (SPA) Cauterization

Abstract

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of SPA cauterization in posterior nose bleed.

Materials & Methods:

The experience of endoscopic sphenopalatine artery cauterization under general anesthesia in 7 patients has been described. All patients had anterior nasal packing, use of invotec for posterior nasal bleed and some patients had classical posterior nasal packing but all of them had failed to control bleeding.

Results:

Epistaxis was controlled in all 7 patients  after sphenopalatine artery cauterization.

Conclusion:

Though it is a preliminary result, endoscopic cauterization of sphenopalatine artery seems to be safe, simple and effective procedure for the management of refractory posterior epistaxis.

Keywords: endoscopic surgery, epistaxis, Sphenopalatine artery