Refractory Epistaxis: Role of Endoscopic Cauterisation of Sphenopalatine Artery

Epistaxis is defined as bleeding from the nose. It is one of the most common rhinological emergencies, making the management of posterior epistaxis a challenging problem for ENT surgeons. Conventional management options in form of chemical cauterisation, anterior nasal packing and posterior nasal packing, are not so much effective and satisfactory. Objective- The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of endoscopic sphenopalatine artery (SPA) cauterization in patients with refractory epistaxis. Materials and method- The experience of endoscopic sphenopalatine artery cauterisation under general anaesthesia in 3 patients has been described. All patients had undergone anterior nasal packing, posterior nasal packing, endoscopic cauterisation of visible bleeding points but all of them failed to control bleeding. Results Epistaxis was controlled in all the 3 patients after endoscopic sphenopalatine artery cauterisation. Discussion- Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery cauterisation is a safe and effective method of managing refractory posterior nasal bleeding which is not responding to all other conservative measures.