Bi-polar electrocoagulation under nosal endoscope for treatment of intractable epistaxis in the elderly:a report of 38 cases

Objective: To assess the effect of bi-polar electrocoagulation under nosal endoscope in treatment of intractable epistaxis in the elderly.Methods: Thirty-eight elderly patients with intractable epistaxis were checked by nosa endoscope and performed bi-polar electrocoagulation once the hemorrhagic focus was detected.Results: Hemorrhagic focus was detected by nosal endoscope in 37 cases and no definite hemorrhagic focus was found in 1 case.Thirty-six cases were cured on the first treatment,and 2 cases with hypertension that still had slight bleeding after treatment were cured after the blood pressure was controlled.All the cases were followed up for 3 months;no recurrence or complication were observed.Conclusions: The nasal endoscope can locate the epistaxis focus precisely;bi-polar electrocoagulation is an effective means for treatment of intractable epistaxis in the elderly.