Transection of varicose vessels in the nasal mucosa of patients with recurrent epistaxis. A 2-year follow-up

Use of trans-septal mattress suture of Little's area for anterior epistaxis

BACKGROUND

In some cases of epistaxis, anterior packing and/or electrocoagulation are not sufficient and suturing is needed. However, standard suturing techniques are sometimes ineffective. This paper reports the use of a new kind of trans-septal mattress suture, based on regional vascular anatomy, in this clinical context.

METHODS

Four adult patients with haemorrhage in Little's area underwent standard suturing, but bleeding persisted. These patients were successfully treated with trans-septal mattress suturing, using four punctures around the haemorrhage site.

RESULTS

No relapses or complications were observed over a six-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

In cases of persistent bleeding from Little's area, suturing should surround the bleeding area. The described suturing method is simple, efficacious and cheap.

[Epistaxis in children]

Most epistaxis in children come from the anterior part of the nasal septum. The bleeding is usually under control by manual compression or vestibular packing with a piece of cotton or calcium alginate. In case of severe or recurrent epistaxis, one must look for a bleeding disorder or a nasal/nasopharyngeal tumour, especially juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma in adolescent males. Chemical or electrical cautery of the septum should be suggested in case of recurrent idiopathic epistaxis. When bleeding continues despite such treatments, anterior nasal packing is recommended; life-threatening epistaxis usually requires posterior packing. Embolisation can be used to reduce blood supply before surgery in case of haemorragic tumours or vascular malformations.