Role of nasal endoscopy in evaluation and management of epistaxis

Abstract

Background: Epistaxis is the most common ENT emergency. The localization of bleeding site and its control in profuse epistaxis is of major concern for the ENT surgeon. Nasal endoscope has proved to be a boon for the otolaryngologist and is an important tool in diagnosing these bleeding points and their immediate management which reduces the incidence of nasal packing either anterior or posterior. Aim was to study the importance of nasal endoscopy in diagnosing the cause and site of epistaxis and managing them appropriately. Methods: It was a prospective study conducted in 187 patients of epistaxis visiting ENT emergency at SMGSH, Jammu after getting IEC clearance.   Results: 139 (73.8%) had anterior and 48 (26.2%) posterior epistaxis. Dry nasal septum and mass lesions were the common local causes followed by deviated nasal septum. Anterior part of septum (little’s area) was the common site of bleeding followed by woodruff’s area. The overall success rate of diagnosing the local cause and site of epistaxis was 99% with nasal endoscopy and only 47% with combined anterior and posterior rhinoscopy. Thus, eliciting the importance of nasal endoscopy over conventional anterior and posterior rhinoscopy. Conclusions: Nasal endoscopy helps in detecting the site and cause of epistaxis and also aids in its appropriate management. It helps in endoscopic guided direct pressure packing, bipolar electrocautery, endoscopy assisted mass excision and endoscopic guided foreign body removal. However, nasal endoscopy is not a substitute for nasal packing.