[Embolization of carotid arteria branch in stanching of nasal bleeding].

BACKGROUND

Epistaxis is a common clinical problem, especially in otolaryngology. This disorder affects equally both genders. Most cases manifest as spontaneous nasal bleeding. It can also appear as a result of trauma, high blood pressure, Osler-Rendu-Weber disease. When the bleeding is massive it can be potentially life-threatening. A great majority of epistaxis can be treated conservatively, if not it sometimes requires endovascular treatment. It is specially reserved for extensive, dangerous epistaxis. Angiography with selective embolization has become an accepted method of treating epistaxis that is not controlled with conservative methods.

METHODS

Authors analyzed the efficacy of selective embolization treatment of epistaxis. 61 patients treated in the Department of Otolaryngology in Bialystok in years 1999-2011 were examined. There were 39 men and 22 women aged 24-48 years. Patients were referred for endovascular treatment when primary management was ineffective. Arteries suspected of bleeding were embolized superselectively.

RESULTS

Immediate, complete control of bleeding was achieved in 100% patients. After few hours recurrent nasal bleeding occurred in 4 (7%) patients who underwent successful reembolization. There were no severe complications after procedure. Nine patients experienced few days lasting mild headache which disappeared after medicament treatment. Five patients suffered from unaided removing facial oedema. Out of 61 patients, 56 were available for 12-month follow-up evaluation. No neurological or otolaryngological complications were certified. There was also no relapse of epistaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective angiographic embolization is an effective method that should be considered in the treatment of refractory epistaxis. It is safe and not traumatic for patients.