ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:: Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation (ESPAL) is the intervention of choice for refractory epistaxis in specialist ear, nose and throat (ENT)units and should be within the repertoire of competencies for all ENT trainees. Following its recent incorporation within the United Kingdom competency-based training syllabus as an explicit outcome standard, the ESPAL is not uncommonly being delivered by trainees under appropriate supervision. We assessed the efficacy and outcome of ESPAL in epistaxis management within our teaching hospitals. METHODS:: Retrospective, structured review of all ESPAL procedures performed for epistaxis between December 2005 and December 2013. The techniques of ligation, operator grade, and outcome were studied. RESULTS:: Sixty-five patients (41 male:24 female; average age of 58.2 years) were identified in whom 67 artery ligations were performed (63 unilateral; 2 bilateral). Overall, success rate of ESPAL was 92.3% (60/65), with 5 rebleed cases recorded within 30 days of the primary procedure. Sixteen (24.6%) underwent "clipping," 26 (40.0%) had diathermy ligation, 18 (27.7%) had both clipping and diathermy, and in 5 (7.7%) patients, the ligation technique was not recorded. In 31 (47.7%) of 65 cases, a consultant was the principal surgeon. The remaining 34 (52.3%) of 65 cases were performed by trainees with (24, 70.6%) or without (10, 29.4%) supervision. There was no correlation between rebleed and operators' grade, level of supervision, or ligation technique. CONCLUSION:: With appropriate training, ESPAL can achieve hemostasis in teams of varying grades of operators without significant reduction in outcome. To further enhance the technical learning curve, the utility of simulation-based training could offer continuous and longitudinal development of skills.
Subject(s)
Endoscopy/methods , Epistaxis/surgery , Hemostasis, Surgical/methods , Ligation/methods , Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures/methods , Clinical Competence , Endoscopy/education , Female , Hemostasis, Surgical/education , Humans , Ligation/education , Male , Middle Aged , Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures/education , Palate, Hard/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Sphenoid Sinus/surgery , Treatment Outcome , United KingdomABSTRACT
We report a case of unilateral mydriasis following nasal electrocautery presumed to be the result of retrograde flow of adrenaline and/or xylometazoline hydrochloride (Otrivine) through the nasolacrimal duct into the eye. We review the literature and highlight the importance of correct interpretation of finding a dilated pupil post-operatively. To our knowledge. we report the first such case involving xylometazoline hydrochloride and also following nasal electrocautery. Unilateral mydriasis is alarming after nasal surgery but must be interpreted with caution. During minimally invasive procedures it is likely to be due to the effects of topical medication to the nose rather than surgical trauma.
