Management of epistaxis: a national survey

A survey to assess variations in management and outcome of patients admitted with epistaxis was conducted. A questionnaire was sent to all consultant otolaryngologists working at NHS hospitals in England and Wales requesting information about management of patients admitted with epistaxis over a 3 month period. Data analysis of information provided by 102 consultants for a total of 933 patients was performed. The average number of patients admitted with epistaxis over a period of 3 months per consultant was 10.2. More than 70% of the patients were aged 60 years or over. Approximately 75% of the patients required nasal packing; the most common pack used was BIPP (Bismuth Iodine Paraffin Paste). Of the patients, 5.6% required general anaesthesia, with less than 1% requiring formal arterial ligation. The mean duration of stay in hospital was 2.9 days. Few complications were reported. Patients admitted with epistaxis were generally managed conservatively, with very few requiring surgical intervention. There was remarkable consensus in various aspects of management of patients admitted with epistaxis.