title: Surgical management of epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
abstract: The most common manifestation of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HH) is recurrent epistaxis. Numerous treatments have been used over the years, none proving entirely satisfactory. We have applied a new surgical treatment in seven selected cases of HHT with severe, life-threatening epistaxis. It consists of a near-total excision of the diseased nasal mucosa and its replacement by different skin flaps or a myocutaneous flap. This procedure has been performed since 1981. We stress the reliability and versatility of using the forehead myocutaneous island flap. Our original technique is described, follow-up of the patients is reported, and the criteria for selection of treatment are discussed.
mesh_terms: D004844:Epistaxis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013683:Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic / Q000601:surgery*