2. Introduction and HistoryIntroduction and History
Epistaxis is defined as bleeding from nasalEpistaxis is defined as bleeding from nasal
cavities.cavities.
Hipprocrates technique ( pinching the ala )Hipprocrates technique ( pinching the ala )
simplest treatment for nasal bleedsimplest treatment for nasal bleed
Common occurrenceCommon occurrence
Most episodes are minor in natureMost episodes are minor in nature
Minor bleed – children and adultsMinor bleed – children and adults
Severe bleeding - > 50 yearsSevere bleeding - > 50 years
7. Why bleeding from the nose ?Why bleeding from the nose ?
• Vasculature runs justVasculature runs just
under mucosa (notunder mucosa (not
squamous)squamous)
• Arterial to venousArterial to venous
anastamosesanastamoses
• ICA and ECA bloodICA and ECA blood
flowflow
8. Anterior vs. PosteriorAnterior vs. Posterior
Anterior: younger, usually septal vs. anteriorAnterior: younger, usually septal vs. anterior
ethmoid, most common (>90%), typically lessethmoid, most common (>90%), typically less
severesevere
Posterior: older population, usually fromPosterior: older population, usually from
Woodruff’s plexus, more serious.Woodruff’s plexus, more serious.
17. Hereditary Hemorrhagic TelangiectasiaHereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Autosomal dominantAutosomal dominant
Classical features are telangectasia , AVClassical features are telangectasia , AV
malformation and aneurysms, recurrentmalformation and aneurysms, recurrent
epistaxis.epistaxis.
Laser photocoagulation.Laser photocoagulation.
19. Resuscitation
Initial Examination
Vessel not located Vessel located
Endoscopy
Vessel not located
Anterior nasal pack
Continued bleeding
Posterior packing
Ligation of blood vessels
Direct therapy
Bipolar cautery
Bleeding controlled
Pack for 48 hours
20. Management of EpistaxisManagement of Epistaxis
Medical ManagementMedical Management
Nasal PackingNasal Packing
Cautery – Silver Nitrate, EndoscopicCautery – Silver Nitrate, Endoscopic
electrocautery and Laser cauteryelectrocautery and Laser cautery
EmbolizationEmbolization
LigationLigation
Surgery – Septoplasty and SeptodermoplastySurgery – Septoplasty and Septodermoplasty
23. Indications forIndications for
surgery/embolizationsurgery/embolization
Continued bleeding despite nasal packingContinued bleeding despite nasal packing
Pt requires transfusion/admit hct of <38%Pt requires transfusion/admit hct of <38%
Nasal anomaly precluding packingNasal anomaly precluding packing
Patient refusal/intolerance of packingPatient refusal/intolerance of packing
Posterior bleed vs. failed medical mgmt afterPosterior bleed vs. failed medical mgmt after
>72hrs>72hrs
24. Take Home MessageTake Home Message
Epistaxis affects all agesEpistaxis affects all ages
Epistaxis can be life threateningEpistaxis can be life threatening
Common causes are idiopathic and traumaCommon causes are idiopathic and trauma
Systemic disorders are rare but should not beSystemic disorders are rare but should not be
overlookedoverlooked
The majority of nose bleeds are from the anteriorThe majority of nose bleeds are from the anterior
septum and can easily be controlled by cauterisation orseptum and can easily be controlled by cauterisation or
anterior nasal packinganterior nasal packing
Surgical ligation of the arterial supply may be necessarySurgical ligation of the arterial supply may be necessary
in severe casesin severe cases