[Treatment of postoperative "uncontrollable" nosebleed by embolization of the maxillary artery].

BACKGROUND

Embolization of the maxillary artery is a successful treatment, alternative in cases of recurrent severe nosebleeds when anterior and posterior nasal packing have failed to achieve permanent control.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Two cases of male patients are presented who suffered from severe nosebleeds after a submucous resection of the septum, electrocautery of the inferior turbinate, and submucosal conchotomy. Anterior and posterior nasal packing proved to be unsuccessful. Angiography of the internal and external carotid artery was performed and selective embolization of the mayillary artery with absorbable material followed.

RESULTS

In both cases embolization was successful and uneventful. Twenty-four hours after treatment, the nasal packing was removed and no recurrence was observed.

CONCLUSION

Selective embolization of the maxillary artery is a successful alternative for the treatment of severe recurrent nosebleeding-equally effective with surgical ligation of the bleeding arteries.