Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery electrocoagulation for refractory epistaxis: a clinical study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Epistaxis (nosebleeds) management often requires surgical intervention.
• Electrical coagulation of the sphenopalatine artery (SPA) via nasal endoscopy is an established treatment for epistaxis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of SPA electrocoagulation for treating epistaxis.
• To determine the complication rates associated with this procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 47 patients who underwent SPA electrocoagulation.
• Assessment of epistaxis control at 24 hours, early, and late postoperative periods.

Main Results:

• High effective epistaxis control rates: 100% within 24 hours and early postoperative, 97.9% late postoperative.
• Complications were infrequent (6 patients), including nasal dryness, upper lip numbness, and nasal adhesion.
• No significant relationship found between refractory epistaxis and patient age or sex.

Conclusions:

• SPA electrocoagulation is a highly effective surgical method for controlling refractory epistaxis.
• The procedure demonstrates a favorable safety profile with low complication rates.
• Age and sex are not significant factors in the occurrence of refractory epistaxis treated with SPA electrocoagulation.