Arterial Embolization in Rhinological Field: an Analysis of 19 Cases

Park, Sang Hoon; Shin, Seung Youp; Cho, Joong Saeng; Jin, Young Wan; Hong, Nam Pyo

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The progress of arterial embolization made it possible to control intractable nasal bleeding and to reduce the blood supply of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We reviewed 19 cases of patients who received arterial embolization from Jan. 1993 to Dec. 1999. We analyzed the cases according to the age, sex, hypertension, purpose, result and complications of arterial embolization.
RESULTS
Thirteen patients received arterial embolization due to uncontrolled epistaxis by conservative management. Except one patient who had bleeding from the anterior ethmoidal artery, 12 patients stopped bleeding after successful embolization. Three patients received the arterial embolization for continuous bleeding after endoscopic sinus surgery, and other three patients received it for reducing the blood supply of the nasopharyngeal angiofibroma preoperatively. The complications were seizure like movements, fever and facial pain: but these complications were limited to few cases, and were minimal and temporary.
CONCLUSION
Arterial embolization is a safe and effective method that should be considered in the treatment of refractory nasal bleeding and for reducing the intraoperative bleeding in angiofibroma.