Endoscopic treatment of posterior epistaxis. Experience at the Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile between the years 2007 and 2011
Main Article Content
Keywords
Posterior epistaxis, endoscopic ligature of sphenopalatine artery, Endoscopic nasal surgery
Abstract
Introduction: Epistaxis is by far the most common emergency complaint in otolaryngology. Its etiology is multifactorial, predominantly by traumatic causes. An alternative in surgical management of significant epistaxis cases, is the endoscopic cauterization or ligature of the sphenopalatine artery (SPA). Aim: This study aims to review the experience of the Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile in the endoscopic management of patients with posterior epistaxis. Material and methods: The surgical records have been reviewed between theyears 2007and 2011, considering allpatients who were treatedforposteriorepistaxis, by endoscopic nasal surgery. Results: A total of 23 cases were reviewed. The average age of patients was 52 ± 18 years. 60% of patients had a history of hypertension in treatment. Clip ligature with electrocauterization of the SPA was performed in 52.1% of cases, clip ligature of the SPA in 26.2%, and isolated electrocauterization of the SPA in 21.7% of cases. Discussion and conclusions: Endoscopic treatment of posterior epistaxis is a simple and reproducible technique, being a safe and effective therapeutic tool for these patients.