Endoscopic diathermy of the sphenopalatine artery in severe posterior epistaxis

Abstract

The present study evaluated the role of endoscopic electrocoagulation of sphenopalatine artery for persistent posterior epistaxis despite of conservative measures. Patients were selected from the Dar Al Shifa hospital, Kuwait, complaining of recurrent epistaxis. Thirteen patients were treated with endoscopic electrocoagulation of sphenopalatine artery from February 2006 and January 2008. The basic principle of this surgical technique which involves identification of the sphenopalatine artery via endonasal endoscopy and electrocoagulation. The technique has been described. Endoscopic coagulation of sphenopalatine artery was carried out unilaterally in 3 patients and bilaterally in 10 patients. The artery was identified in all cases with successful postoperative results. This method is an effective surgical technique for persistent posterior epistaxis with low morbidity.