Endoscopic coagulation of sphenopalatine artery for posterior epistaxis.

OBJECTIVE To present our experience of endoscopic electrocoagulation of sphenopalatine artery for persistent posterior epistaxis despite conservative measures. METHODS Seven endoscopic electrocoagulation of sphenopalatine artery was done for four patients from early 2001 till the present for recalcitrant epistaxis despite conservative treatment. The basic principle of this surgical method is to identify the sphenopalatine artery via endonasal endoscopy and to electrocoagulate the vessel. RESULTS Seven procedures were carried out in four patients. Endoscopic coagulation of sphenopalatine artery was carried out unilaterally in one patient and bilaterally in three patients. The artery was identified in all cases with successful postoperative results. CONCLUSION This method is an effective surgical technique for persistent posterior epistaxis with low morbidity.