[Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Rendu-Weber disease) Management of epistaxis and oral hemorrhage by Nd-Yag laser].

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The paper reports the use of Nd-Yag laser treatment for some major otolaryngoiatric symptoms in hereditary hemorrhagic teleangectasia (Rendu-Osler-Weber disease), focusing on the importance of epistaxis and oral hemorrhage as a cause of continuous hemoreintegrative treatment, without forgetting the constant psychophysical stress undergone by these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Photocoagulation of teleangectasia in the ENT district has been used by the authors since January 1994. A total of 8 patients, 5 males and 3 females, have been treated aged between 31 and 65 years old. During the first year specialist outpatient controls were performed every two months, after which the follow-up became four-monthly.

RESULTS

The authors provide a detailed illustration of the methods used, the choice of power, and the advantages and results obtained, emphasising the outpatient nature of treatment, excellent patient tolerability and the low cost to the health service.

CONCLUSIONS

In the light of these results, the Authors underline the unquestionable usefulness of Nd-Yag laser in the treatment of a few of the undoubtedly more stressing symptoms of Rendu-Osler-Weber disease.