TREATMENT OF UNECONTROLLABLE POSTOPERATIV E NOSEBLEED BY EMBOLIZATIONOF THE MAXILLARY ARTERY

Background: Embolization of the maxillary artery is a successful treat ment, alternative in cases of recurrent severe nosebleeds when anterio r and posterior nasal packing have failed to achieve permanent control . Patients and Method: Two cases of male patients are presented who su ffered from severe nosebleeds after a submucous resection of the septu m, electrocautery of the inferior turbinate, and submucosal conchotomy . Anterior and posterior nasal packing proved to be unsuccessful. Angi ography of the internal and external carotid artery was performed and selective embolization of the mayillary artery with absorbable materia l followed. Results: In both cases embolization was successful and une ventful. Twenty-four hours after treatment, the nasal packing was remo ved and no recurrence was observed. Conclusion: Selective embolization of the maxillary artery is a successful alternative for the treatment of severe recurrent nose-bleeding - equally effective with surgical l igation of the bleeding arteries.