title: Septal perforation and bilateral partial middle turbinate necrosis after bilateral sphenopalatine artery ligation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report previously unreported complications of bilateral sphenopalatine artery ligation.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present the case of a 45-year-old man who underwent bilateral sphenopalatine artery ligation to control intractable posterior epistaxis. After four months, he re-presented with nasal obstruction and crusting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Examination under general anaesthesia showed posterior septal perforation and bilateral necrosis of the lower parts of the middle turbinates. The necrotic parts were excised. The patient had no more complaints.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Following sphenopalatine artery occlusion, ischaemic necrosis is a potential risk in anatomical areas that receive their only arterial supply from this artery. The staging of bilateral sphenopalatine artery occlusion needs to be studied.
authors.affiliation: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Elsheikh
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: El-Anwar
mesh_terms: D004844:Epistaxis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D009336:Necrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013101:Sphenoid Sinus / Q000098:blood supply*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014420:Turbinates / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery