Unexpected bleeding after elective nasal surgery.
In 780 patients undergoing elective nasal surgery, the incidence of excessive bleeding was 3.6% (28 patients); of severe bleeding, 0.9% (7 patients). In most patients, effective treatment was to repack the nose and cauterize a bleeding site, or to suture an open area either in the incision or at the columella-septum junction. Contributing to the hemorrhage in 1 patient was aspirin ingestion, and in another, an unrecognized Factor XI deficiency. Although the excessive bleeding in these patients could probably have been prevented by obtaining a better history, in others it could not have been. Because of its unpredictability, bleeding as a complication must be discussed frankly with the patient.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects