Endoscopic treatment of epistaxis from the anterior ethmoidal artery: ORL service experience at PUCPR

Abstract

Introduction: The severe epistaxis is considered to be the main emergency in the otorhinolaryngologic practice and causes important hospital interment. The nasal endoscopic treatment is best tolerated by the patients, since nasal splints result in pain, nasal obstruction and significant morbidity. The treatment of the epistaxis from the anterior ethmoidal artery became more effective with the advent of nasal endoscopy techniques. Traditionally, this territory bleeding control was made through Lynch's incision in the medial orbital border and dissection between the periorbital and papyraceous lamina, with connection or cauterization of the anterior ethmoidal artery. The endoscopic approach allows a more precise localization of the bleeding origin and a more effective control. Objective: To report the experience of the Otorhinolaryngology Service at PUCPR in the endoscopic treatment of the epistaxis resulting from the anterior ethmoidal artery. Method: Between May 2005 and December 2008, 10 patients who presented with anterior ethmoidal artery epistaxis were treated with endoscopy. All patients were submitted to the dissection of the ethmoid roof with optic of 45o and suitable instruments. Conclusion: The endoscopic approach for the treatment of epistaxis coming from anterior ethmoidal artery was proven to be safe and efficient in the cases presented.

Keywords

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Epistaxis
• Video-assisted surgery