Early Endoscopic Electrocoagulation of the Sphenopalatine Artery for Refractory Posterior Epistaxis: Preliminary Study

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Intractable epistaxis is a challenging problem associated with clinical morbidity and high costs due to prolonged hospitalization. Early endoscopic electrocoagulation of the sphenopalatine artery can be a good alternative management. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of 6 patients with uncontrolled epistaxis between January 2013 and January 2014. A decision to surgically intervene was made within 24 hours of hospitalization in all cases. Endoscopic electrocoagulation of the sphenopalatine artery was conducted under general anesthesia. Clinical and hematologic information, preoperative and surgical care, postoperative complications and surgical outcome, and duration of preoperative and postoperative hospital stay were evaluated. RESULTS: Epistaxis was effectively controlled in all cases. Four patients (66.7%) complained of nasal dryness and one of them endured nasal crusting for 9 months after surgery. Recurrent posterior epistaxis occurred after 5 postoperative months in one case, which was successfully controlled without surgery. The average length of postoperative hospital stay was 2.5+/-0.5 days. The average total length of hospital stay was 4.8+/-0.8 days. CONCLUSIONS: Early endoscopic electrocoagulation of the sphenopalatine artery seems effective for controlling intractable epistaxis.