title: Endoscopic monopolar cauterization of the sphenopalatine artery: a single surgeons experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epistaxis is one of the most common otolaryngology emergency conditions, and is usually treated conservatively by different types of nasal packs. A limited number of patients continue to bleed even with tightly fitted anterior and posterior packs in the nose. Such intractable epistaxis is managed by surgery or embolization.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We reviewed the use and outcomes of endoscopic suction monopolar cauterization of the sphenopalatine artery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary academic center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects who underwent consecutive monopolar sphenopalatine artery ligation for intractable epistaxis performed by a senior author from August 2010 to December 2014.
  
  
  METHODS
  Successful management of refractory epistaxis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 15 subjects (mean age 45 years; 10 men and 5 women) idiopathic epistaxis was the most common indication for surgery. Six patients had hypertension and three were on anticoagulation. One patient required bilateral cauterization and another had anterior ethmoid artery cauterization. The average operative time was 57 minutes. There was no major intra- or postoperative complications. Two patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery to treat pathologies that were found during the procedure. All patients had healthy nasal and sinus mucosa during the follow-up period (average 17 months, range 1-70 months), and none suffered recurrent epistaxis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endoscopic monopolar cauterization of sphenopalatine artery is safe and effective for management of refractory epistaxis with minimal complications. It should be considered earlier in the algo- rithmic treatment of intractable epistaxis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Retrospective study, small number of patients, and no controls.
authors.affiliation: Haitham Odat, Department of Special Surgery,, Jordan University of Science and Technology,, Irbid 22110, Jordan, T: +962798201825, dr.haithamodat@gmail.com, ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5148-7600.
authors.forename: Haitham
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Odat
authors.forename: Mohannad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Qudah
mesh_terms: D001158:Arteries / Q000601:surgery*; D002425:Cautery / Q000379:methods*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D059747:Nasal Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D009666:Nose / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome