Supraselective embolization in intractable epistaxis: review of 45 cases

Epistaxis is a common and in most cases benign event. Severe or recurrent epistaxis, however, can present therapeutic problems. Forty-five cases of supraselective embolization in intractable epistaxis are reported. The authors' success rate of 97%, similar to the success rates reported in the literature, confirms the effectiveness of this technique. Complications occurred in only 8% of the cases. One serious complication was neurologic. Percutaneous embolization is an effective option for managing intractable posterior nasal bleeding but is not recommended as an early form of treatment.