Refractory Epistaxis Research Articles

Trans-nasal Endoscopic Sphenopalatine Artery Ligation in Epistaxis: Coblation Versus Electrocauterization.

Epistaxis is one of the most common emergencies encountered by otorhinolaryngologist. Although anterior epistaxis is easy to manage but posterior epistaxis is usually refractory. Transnasal endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation (TESPAL) is now a well established surgical technique for the management of refractory epistaxis. Electrocauterization and clipping are the most common methods used for ligation. Coblation is an upcoming tool with promising results in endoscopic skull base surgeries and tonsillectomies but has not been explored much in TESPAL. It was a randomised observational study.50 patients of refractory epistaxis were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Group A underwent TESPAL using electrocauterization while Group B underwent TESPAL using coblation. The data was collected and analysed for various parameters like experience of the surgeon, time taken for surgery, episodes of rebleeding and postoperative crusting. Out of 50 cases in our study 27 were males and 23 were females. Most common age group was 60-70years (68%). Most common cause was hypertension (86%). Surgeons were happy 21/25 times in coblation group compared to 9/25 times in electrocauterization group. There were 4/25 rebleeding episodes in electrocauterization group compared to none in coblation group. Post-operative crusting was also less in coblation group compared to electrocauterization. Though electrocauterization is a well established method for TESPAL our experience with coblation in TESPAL has been extremely satisfying. We suggest our colleagues to conduct more research studies on use of coblation in TESPAL to reach a consensus.

Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery electrocoagulation for refractory epistaxis: a clinical study

Background The electrical coagulation of sphenopalatine artery(SPA) under nasal endoscopy has gradually become an important surgical intervention for epistaxis Aim To investigate the effectiveness and complications of SPA electrocoagulation for epistaxis. Material and methods The clinical data of 47 patients undergoing SPA electrocoagulation were analyzed, retrospectively. Results Forty-seven patients were enrolled, with a male to female ratio of approximately 3:1. 11of 36 were under 45 years old, 25 of 36were 45 years old and above. Among female patients, one was under 45 years old, and the others were 45 years old and above, but there was no significant difference in gender composition between different age groups (χ 2 = 1.069, p = .301). All patients were unilateral epistaxis. The effective control rates of epistaxis within 24 h after surgery, early postoperative, and late postoperative were 100%, 100%, and 97.9%, respectively. There were 6 patients with complications, including 3 patients with nasal dryness and ecdysis on the affected side, 2 patients with numbness on upper lip, 1 patient with nasal adhesion and pus on affected side. Conclusion and significance Refractory epistaxis has no relationship with age and sex, SPA electrcoagulation can effectively control refractory epistaxis and is an effective surgical method.

Endovascular treatment of a small ruptured non-traumatic internal carotid artery aneurysm presenting with repeated massive epistaxis

ObjectiveWe encountered a rare case of massive epistaxis resulting from a small ruptured non-traumatic cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm associated a bony defect in the wall of the posterior lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus. We presented successful diagnosis and treatment with a balloon-assisted neck-plasty coil embolization. Case PresentationA 74-year-old Japanese man was admitted following recurrent massive epistaxis. There was no history of trauma, surgery, radiotherapy, infection, or tumor. Radiographic imaging demonstrated a bony defect in the wall of the posterior lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus that allowed the aneurysm to ruptured into the nasal cavity rather than intracranially. After rupture, the patient presented with epistaxis that resulted in systemic hypotension. This aneurysm can be managed rapidly using endovascular techniques of a balloon-assisted neck-plasty coil embolization. ConclusionThe present case report highlights the rarity of a small non-traumatic cavernous ICA aneurysm causing massive epistaxis. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility, as a high index of suspicion is required for proper diagnosis. Internal carotid angiography should be performed, particularly in patients with refractory epistaxis. Aneurysms in this location are usually amenable to endovascular treatment. Coil embolization using a microballoon-assisted neck-plasty technique can result in immediate hemostasis, parent artery preservation, and successful long-term aneurysm occlusion.

Usefulness of computed tomography in predicting ethmoidal arterial bleeding in refractory epistaxis.

Epistaxis that is refractory to conservative management can be treated with endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation (ESPAL). Although rare, ethmoidal artery (EA) bleeding can be a cause of rebleeding after successful ESPAL. EA bleeding is diagnosed by angiography and can also be identified during surgical exploration. However, since the angiographic embolization of the EA is contraindicated, surgical hemostasis is mandatory. This study investigated whether paranasal sinus (PNS) CT could provide information for predicting EA bleeding without angiography in patients with refractory epistaxis requiring ESPAL. Forty-seven patients, who were surgically treated [with ESPAL or EA ligation (EAL)] for refractory epistaxis from March 2010 to June 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. A positive PNS CT finding for EA bleeding was defined as the presence of soft tissue densities having continuity with the EA pathway, accompanied by a partially deficient surrounding bony canal. These findings as well as soft tissue densities in each paranasal sinus were compared between the ESPAL and EAL groups. All patients in the EAL group had positive CT findings of EA bleeding, compared to only 12.2% in the ESPAL group (P < 0.001). The rate of soft tissue densities within the frontal and sphenoid sinuses were noted in 26.8% and 17.1% of patients in the ESPAL group, compared to 83.3% and 83.3% of patients in the EAL group (P = 0.013 and P = 0.003, respectively). PNS CT might be useful for predicting EA bleeding in patients with refractory epistaxis requiring surgical hemostasis.

Analysis of Endoscopic Sphenopalatine Artery Surgery for Refractory Epistaxis

Background: This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of sphenopalatine artery (SPA) surgery in patients with refractory epistaxis and to identify factors associated with the indications for surgery to assist clinicians in making prompt and appropriate decisions regarding SPA surgery for refractory epistaxis. Methods: We analyzed 97 consecutive patients with nasal bleeding hospitalized in our institution between April 2009 and March 2018. Clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes were analyzed from retrospective chart reviews. Results: Of the 97 patients, 28 (29 sides) required SPA surgery. There were no differences in sex, anti-coagulant drug or antiplatelet use, hemoglobin concentration, or platelet count between Group A (patients who required surgery) and Group B (patients who did not require surgery). Age (58 vs. 67 years, p = 0.038) and severity of comorbidity (0 vs. 1, p = 0.039) were significantly lower in the surgery group. Patients who were younger and had lower Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores had more requirements for surgery than those who were older and had higher CCI scores. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to the proportion of patients receiving blood transfusions; however, the length of hospitalization was significantly longer in Group A than in Group B (8.9 vs. 8 days, p = 0.038). Success rate (non-rebleeding rate) was 89%, comparable to that reported in previous studies. Conclusions: Endoscopic SPA surgery was found safe and effective method with few complications. Younger patients with lower CCI scores were found appropriate for SPA surgery for refractory epistaxis due in part to a lower risk of anesthesia.

Management of Severe and/or Refractory Epistaxis

ObjectiveThe objective was to determine the results of the treatment of severe and/or refractory epistaxis requiring hospital admission. In addition, the results of arterial ligation versus embolisation were compared. Material and methodSixty-three patients with severe and/or refractory epistaxis requiring hospital admission between August 2014 and December 2016 were included prospectively. ResultsEleven patients (17%) underwent embolisation, 5 (8%) endoscopy ligation and the remaining 47 (75%) underwent conservative treatment with tamponade. The mean age of the patients in which conservative measures were sufficient was 72 years, while the age of those treated with embolisation was 71 years and of those who underwent surgery was 53 years. For the patients who underwent conservative treatment or surgery, the average stay was 6 days, compared to 9 days for those who underwent embolisation. One patient suffered a hemispheric stroke after embolisation. No post-surgical complications were observed. ConclusionsMost cases of severe and/or refractory epistaxis are resolved by conventional tamponade. Endoscopy ligation is associated with a decrease in hospital stay, without serious complications. It is advisable to have all the possible therapeutic options available, for which the presence of interventional radiologists and experienced surgeons is essential to avoid complications and decide the treatment to be performed individually for each patient.

선택적 동맥 색전술을 이용한 난치성 비출혈의 치료 : 임상분석 13예

선택적 동맥 색전술을 이용한 난치성 비출혈의 치료 : 임상분석 13예

Endoscopic Sphenopalatine Artery Ligation: General Applicability in a Teaching Unit.

Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation (ESPAL) is the intervention of choice for refractory epistaxis in specialist ear, nose and throat (ENT)units and should be within the repertoire of competencies for all ENT trainees. Following its recent incorporation within the United Kingdom competency-based training syllabus as an explicit outcome standard, the ESPAL is not uncommonly being delivered by trainees under appropriate supervision. We assessed the efficacy and outcome of ESPAL in epistaxis management within our teaching hospitals. Retrospective, structured review of all ESPAL procedures performed for epistaxis between December 2005 and December 2013. The techniques of ligation, operator grade, and outcome were studied. Sixty-five patients (41 male:24 female; average age of 58.2 years) were identified in whom 67 artery ligations were performed (63 unilateral; 2 bilateral). Overall, success rate of ESPAL was 92.3% (60/65), with 5 rebleed cases recorded within 30 days of the primary procedure. Sixteen (24.6%) underwent "clipping," 26 (40.0%) had diathermy ligation, 18 (27.7%) had both clipping and diathermy, and in 5 (7.7%) patients, the ligation technique was not recorded. In 31 (47.7%) of 65 cases, a consultant was the principal surgeon. The remaining 34 (52.3%) of 65 cases were performed by trainees with (24, 70.6%) or without (10, 29.4%) supervision. There was no correlation between rebleed and operators' grade, level of supervision, or ligation technique. With appropriate training, ESPAL can achieve hemostasis in teams of varying grades of operators without significant reduction in outcome. To further enhance the technical learning curve, the utility of simulation-based training could offer continuous and longitudinal development of skills.

Bevacizumab as Treatment for Epistaxis in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: A Literature Review

Severe, recurring epistaxis is the most common symptom of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasias (HHT). Current treatment modalities range from noninvasive treatments that frequently fail to achieve even short-term control to surgeries and systemic therapies that carry significant risk of complications. Recently, bevacizumab, a VEGF inhibitor, has been proposed as an alternative option to alleviate epistaxis symptoms in HHT. To review the current literature regarding the use of bevacizumab for the treatment of epistaxis in patients with HHT and provide guidance on its usage for this indication. A narrative literature review was performed to analyze various methods and dosages of bevacizumab administration for the treatment of HHT-related epistaxis, along with a review of current treatment modalities and their drawbacks. The current standard of care for HHT-related epistaxis consists of treatments that are largely ineffective or invasive with significant potential complications. Submucosal bevacizumab has demonstrated efficacy in reducing frequency, duration, and severity of epistaxis in those with HHT. Given the inadequacies and potential drawbacks of current treatments for epistaxis in HHT, there is a need for new therapeutic options. Submucosal bevacizumab has been effective with a limited risk profile in a number of studies and should now be considered as a treatment option for refractory epistaxis. Controlled studies are recommended to quantify optimal dosing, treatment schedule, and specific subpopulations that will respond best to this treatment.

Sphenopalatine artery surgery for refractory idiopathic epistaxis: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Epistaxis, especially posterior epistaxis, is occasionally refractory to treatment. In these cases, sphenopalatine artery surgeries, including cauterization and ligation, are required. Previous reports have demonstrated treatment results for these procedures but failed to provide high-level evidence. The aim of this study was to quantify the rates of failure and perioperative complications of these procedures by using a meta-analysis technique. We systematically searched electronic databases and identified articles regarding epistaxis, sphenopalatine artery ligation, or cauterization. Pooled rebleeding and complication rates were calculated by using a random effects model. A total of 896 cases of sphenopalatine ligation or cauterization for epistaxis were analyzed. Pooled rebleeding rates for the entire cohort, cauterization group, and ligation group were 13.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.0-17.8, P < 0.001), 7.2% (95% CI 4.6-11.0, P < 0.001), and 15.1% (95% CI 9.8-22.5, P < 0.001), respectively. Pooled perioperative complication rates for the entire cohort, cauterization group, and ligation group were 8.7% (95% CI 4.9-15.1, P < 0.001), 10.2% (95% CI 3.8-24.5, P < 0.001), and 6.4% (95% CI 1.8-20.9, P < 0.001), respectively. Overall, sphenopalatine surgery for refractory epistaxis is an effective method because of its low rates of failure and complications. Cauterization is more effective than ligation, whereas complications are comparable between the two procedures. Laryngoscope, 129:1731-1736, 2019.

The use of thalidomide therapy for refractory epistaxis in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia: systematic review.

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia is an autosomal dominant condition, characterised by mucocutaneous telangiectasia, aneurysm and arteriovenous malformations. Thalidomide has been used as a therapeutic strategy for refractory epistaxis in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia patients. This review set out to examine the evidence for using thalidomide in the management of refractory epistaxis in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia patients. A systematic search of the available literature was performed using Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and NHS Evidence databases, from inception to December 2017. The search terms used included: hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, epistaxis, haemorrhage and thalidomide. All studies using thalidomide therapy showed a reduction in the frequency and duration of epistaxis, as early as four weeks post-therapy. In addition, thalidomide therapy was shown to increase median haemoglobin levels and reduce blood transfusion dependence. Current available evidence suggests that low-dose thalidomide is effective in transiently reducing epistaxis frequency and duration. Further studies are required to establish a treatment regimen to prevent side effects.

Manejo de las epistaxis graves y/o refractarias

ObjectiveThe objective was to determine the results of the treatment of severe and/or refractory epistaxis requiring hospital admission. In addition, the results of arterial ligation versus embolization were compared. Material and methodSixty-three patients with severe and/or refractory epistaxis requiring hospital admission between August 2014 and December 2016 were included prospectively. ResultsEleven patients (17%) underwent embolization, 5 (8%) endoscopy ligation and the remaining 47 (75%) underwent conservative treatment with tamponade. The mean age of the patients in which conservative measures were sufficient was 72 years, while the age of those treated with embolization was 71 years and of those who underwent surgery was 53 years. For the patients who underwent conservative treatment or surgery, the average stay was 6 days, compared to 9 days for those who underwent embolization. One patient suffered a hemispheric stroke after embolization. No post-surgical complications were observed. ConclusionsMost cases of severe and/or refractory epistaxis are resolved by conventional tamponade. Endoscopy ligation is associated with a decrease in hospital stay, without serious complications. It is advisable to have all the possible therapeutic options available, for which the presence of interventional radiologists and experienced surgeons is essential to avoid complications and decide the treatment to be performed individually for each patient.

Septal branches of the anterior ethmoidal artery: anatomical considerations and clinical implications in the management of refractory epistaxis.

Epistaxis is a commonly presenting complaint. In severe cases, nosebleeds may occur despite antero-posterior nasal packing and often in the absence of identifiable sources of bleeding. In such cases, epistaxis may occur from septal branches of the anterior ethmoidal artery (sbAEA). The purposes of this study are to highlight the clinical role of the sbAEA in different fields of endoscopic endonasal surgery and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of their selective endoscopic endonasal ligation in the management of refractory epistaxis. A retrospective review was performed of all patients presenting with epistaxis who underwent endoscopic endonasal coagulation of sbAEA in three Italian tertiary-care referral centers between October 2010 and October 2017. A total of 30 patients met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen patients had never experienced nosebleeds before, while 14 patients recalled previous epistaxes. Seventeen patients were treated under local anesthetic, while 13 required general anesthesia. No intra- or post-operative complications were observed and none of the patients received nasal packing after the procedure. In all cases the coagulation was effective in controlling the bleeding, with only two relapses in the series (2/30, 6.7%). The sbAEA are of great interest in endoscopic endonasal surgery, both as surgical landmarks and as feeding vessels for a variety of pedicled nasal flaps. What is more, they can be crucial for the management of refractory epistaxis. Their selective endoscopic coagulation represents an effective and safe procedure in cases of difficult-to-control epistaxis from the upper nasal fossa, with several advantages over nasal packing.

Rhinology-specific priority setting for quality improvement: a modified Delphi study from the Quality Improvement Committee of the American Rhinologic Society.

Improving the quality of healthcare is a complex and resource intensive process. To optimize the allocation of scarce resources, quality improvement (QI) should focus on high-value diseases that will produce the largest improvement in health system performance. Given the breadth and multidisciplinary nature of sinonasal disease management, the purpose of this study was to transparently develop a prioritized list of sinonasal diseases for QI from the perspective of the specialty of rhinology and the American Rhinologic Society (ARS). The RAND modified Delphi methodology was used to rank the priority of nine sinonasal disease categories from 1 (lowest priority) to 9 (highest priority). Two rounds of ranking along with a teleconference meeting was performed by a panel of 9 experts from the ARS Quality Improvement Committee. The final QI-prioritized list of sinonasal diseases are as follows: chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) (mean score = 8.9), recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) (mean score = 7.9), sinonasal neoplasms (mean score = 7.0), anatomic nasal obstruction (mean score = 5.9), refractory epistaxis (mean score = 5.2), complicated acute rhinosinusitis (mean score = 5.2), chronic nonallergic rhinitis (mean score = 4.4), orbital disease (mean score = 4.3), uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis (mean score = 4.1), and allergy/allergic rhinitis (mean score = 3.7). The three most important disease categories for QI from the perspective of the specialty of rhinology were CRS, RARS, and sinonasal neoplasms. Future studies need to define and validate quality metrics for each of these important disease categories in order to facilitate appropriate measurement and improvement initiatives.

Nintedanib as a novel treatment option in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia

A 70-year-old patient with known hereditary haemorrhagictelangiectasia (HHT) was seen regularly in our outpatient clinic. He underwent multiple therapeutical interventions, including both surgical and medical, for the treatment of recurrent...

Arterial ligation versus embolization in epistaxis management: Counterintuitive national trends.

Arterial ligation and embolization are treatment modalities indicated in severe and refractory epistaxis. The purpose of this study was to examine temporal trends and compare outcomes in treatment of hospitalized epistaxis patients with ligation or embolization. This retrospective cohort analysis utilized the 2008 to 2013 National Inpatient Sample to identify patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of epistaxis, and an associated procedure code for ligation or embolization. A total of 1,813 cases met the inclusion criteria, with 57.1% undergoing ligation. During the study period, treatment with ligation has trended downward, whereas treatment with embolization has remained constant. Overall, ligated patients were older (64.1 vs. 62.4 years; P = 0.027) and had higher rates of congestive heart failure (15.1% vs. 9.8%; P = 0.001). No significant differences in rates of chronic pulmonary disease, coagulopathy, liver disease, or hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia were observed between cohorts. No differences were observed in rates of blood transfusion, stroke, blindness, or in-hospital mortality; however, ligated patients had lower rates of intubation/tracheostomy (2.8% vs. 5.3%; P = 0.009). Ligated patients also experienced shorter hospital stays (3.6 vs. 4.0 days; P = 0.014) and incurred lower hospital charges ($33,029 vs. $69,304; P < 0.001). Compared to embolization, ligation is associated with significantly decreased hospital charges and shorter hospital stay, without an increase in complication rates. Counterintuitively, ligation appears to be trending downward nationally in its use relative to embolization. 2C Laryngoscope, 127:1017-1020, 2017.

Endoscopic monopolar cauterization of the sphenopalatine artery: a single surgeons experience.

BACKGROUNDEpistaxis is one of the most common otolaryngology emergency conditions, and is usually treated conservatively by different types of nasal packs. A limited number of patients continue to bleed even with tightly fitted anterior and posterior packs in the nose. Such intractable epistaxis is managed by surgery or embolization.OBJECTIVESWe reviewed the use and outcomes of endoscopic suction monopolar cauterization of the sphenopalatine artery.DESIGNRetrospective study.SETTINGTertiary academic center.PATIENTS AND METHODSSubjects who underwent consecutive monopolar sphenopalatine artery ligation for intractable epistaxis performed by a senior author from August 2010 to December 2014.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)Successful management of refractory epistaxis.RESULTSIn 15 subjects (mean age 45 years; 10 men and 5 women) idiopathic epistaxis was the most common indication for surgery. Six patients had hypertension and three were on anticoagulation. One patient required bilateral cauterization and another had anterior ethmoid artery cauterization. The average operative time was 57 minutes. There was no major intra- or postoperative complications. Two patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery to treat pathologies that were found during the procedure. All patients had healthy nasal and sinus mucosa during the follow-up period (average 17 months, range 1–70 months), and none suffered recurrent epistaxis.CONCLUSIONSEndoscopic monopolar cauterization of sphenopalatine artery is safe and effective for management of refractory epistaxis with minimal complications. It should be considered earlier in the algorithmic treatment of intractable epistaxis.LIMITATIONSRetrospective study, small number of patients, and no controls.

Nasogastric tube induced refractory epistaxis during liver transplantation

Cirrhosis has many possible manifestations. These signs and symptoms may be either the direct results of liver cell failure or secondary to the resultant portal hypertension. Portal hypertension can decrease the number of platelets, which increases the risk of bleeding. Additionally, the liver plays a central role in hemostasis, because it is the site of clotting factors synthesis, coagulation inhibitors, and fibrinolytic proteins. Low platelet count and prolonged clotting times may increase the risk of epistaxis arising from minimal trauma, which can cause sometimes serious and occasionally fatal results. We experienced an intraoperative refractory epistaxis in a 60-year-old man with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) due to hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma during liver transplantation. The patient started severe epistaxis after we attempted to place a nasogastric (NG) tube. We describe successful management of massive epistaxis in an operating room under appropriate anesthesia and close hemodynamic monitoring. Keywords: End-stage liver disease; Epistaxis; Liver transplantation; Nasogastric tube

Research progress of bevacizumab in the treatment of refractory epistaxis caused by hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia(HHT) is an autosomal disorder characterized by hemorrhage and abnormal blood vessels. Spontaneous recurrent epistaxis is the most common manifestation, and the severity of nosebleed develops with age increasing. However, there is no effect treatment for HHT-related epistaxis until now. Recently, bevacizumab shows significant effect in the treatment of HHT and the related literatures are increasing gradually. This article will review the studies focused on bevacizumab in the treatment of HHT-related refractory nasal bleeding.

Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment of Vascular Skull Base Trauma.

Vascular trauma is associated with blunt skull base fractures and penetrating injuries. We review the contemporary management of cranial vascular trauma, including blunt and penetrating cerebrovascular injury as well as refractory epistaxis from facial trauma.