Abstract
Transcatheter embolisation is an accepted and effective treatment for intractable epistaxis. We analysed our success and complication rates and compared these with results from other published series. Retrospective review. Unitas Interventional Unit, Centurion. Case record review (57 procedures) and telephonic interviews (36 traceable respondents). A numerical audit of the success and complication rates for embolisation procedures performed during the 4-year period between July 1999 and June 2003. A total of 57 endovascular embolisation procedures were performed for intractable epistaxis in 51 patients during this period. Eight patients (15.7%) developed a re-bleed between 1 and 33 days after embolisation, of whom 5 were reembolised, giving a primary short-term success rate of 86.3% and secondary assisted success rate of 94.1%. Thirty-five of 36 respondents (97.2%) reported no further epistaxis during the long-term follow-up period of 1-47 months. The mortality rate was 0%, the major morbidity rate was 2% (1 stroke) and the minor morbidity rate was 25%. Our success and complication rates are acceptable and compare favourably with those reported in other large series.
Highlights
Epistaxis is a common condition, affecting an estimated 60% of the general population of whom an estimated 6% will seek or require medical assistance.[1]
Percutaneous embolisation of the internal maxillary artery for nasal haemorrhage was first described by Sokoloff et al in 1974.7 Several other reports describing the efficacy of endovascular embolisation followed.[8,9,10,11]
We reviewed our procedural data notes, with further clinical data obtained either from initial referral letters or follow-up notes provided by referring clinicians
Summary
Epistaxis is a common condition, affecting an estimated 60% of the general population of whom an estimated 6% will seek or require medical assistance.[1]. Arterial ligation has remained the mainstay of treatment for intractable posterior epistaxis in many centres.[3,4,5,6] Percutaneous embolisation of the internal maxillary artery for nasal haemorrhage was first described by Sokoloff et al in 1974.7 Several other reports describing the efficacy of endovascular embolisation followed.[8,9,10,11] Currently, endovascular embolisation is an accepted method of treatment for haemorrhage from the nasal cavity or other craniofacial lesions .12,13
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Schedule a callMore From: South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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