[Treatment of recurrent epistaxis with endoscopic electrocoagulation of the sphenopalatine artery].

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of posterior epistaxis with an intranasal balloon catheter (double balloon--Epistat) or posterior balloon (Foley catheter) as a posterior packing combined with a gauze plug as the anterior packing is often very troublesome for the patient. In the western world, the introduction of endoscopic electrocoagulation or ligation of the sphenopalatine artery has proved to be effective in the treatment of persistent posterior epistaxis, and it reduces morbidity. We have therefore introduced the same treatment modality.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have used this technique so far on six patients with persistent posterior epistaxis. They were admitted to the ENT Department, H:S Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, during the period 1.4.2000-15.11.2000.

RESULTS: The treatment terminated the epistaxis in all cases. One patient had anterior epistaxis postoperatively, and this was treated with ligation of the arterior ethmoidal artery. The time spent in hospital after the operation was 1-2 days.

CONCLUSION: This method is recommended for the treatment of persistent posterior epistaxis, when functional endoscopic techniques are mastered. Early treatment reduces morbidity and cuts down the stay in hospital.