Effectiveness of Local Hemostatic Agents in Epistaxis

Background Epistaxis is the commonest otorhinolaryngological emergency affecting up to 60% of the population in their lifetime with 6% requiring medical attention. Objective The aim of this study was to find out the epidemiological profile of epistaxis in our area and to find out the effectiveness of various available eight treatment options. Materials and methods This study was conducted to describe the etiological profile and treatment outcome of epistaxis. This was a prospective study of the cases of epistaxis from July 2012 to May 2013. Till date, the data regarding the management of epistaxis in our setting was not available. The purpose was to evaluate the clinical and management options for epistaxis in our settings. Results A total of 100 patients with epistaxis were studied. Males were affected twice more than the females (2.6:1). Their mean age was 48.63 years (4-82 years). The commonest cause of epistaxis was idiopathic (33%) followed by trauma (21%) and hypertension (18%). Nonsurgical measures, such as light packing with cotton gauze soaked with local hemostatic (hemocoagulase) and antiseptic/antibiotic (36%), silver nitrate cauterization 20 (16%) and anterior nasal packing (15%) and observation alone (11%) were the main intervention methods in 78% of cases. Surgical measures mainly intranasal tumor resection was carried out in 3% of cases. Conclusion The most common etiological factor for epistaxis is idiopathic. Most cases were successfully managed with conservative treatment alone and surgical intervention may not be necessary in most cases and should be the last resort. How to cite this article Hussain T. Effectiveness of Local Hemostatic Agents in Epistaxis. Int J Head Neck Surg 2014;5(1):1-5.