Combination of a negative pressure suction device and endoscope can accurately locate the bleeding site of refractory epistaxis.

Background: Selective endoscopic coagulation of a nasal bleeding vessel is an effective means of treating epistaxis. Precisely locating the bleeding site(s) is critical. Objective: To investigate the utility of combining a negative pressure suction device and endoscope in locating bleeding sites of refractory epistaxis. Methods: A total of 116 patients with refractory epistaxis, who underwent systematic endoscopic exploration under local anesthesia in the absence of identifiable sites of bleeding were randomizely divided into two groups via negative pressure group (NPG) and control group (CG): The negative pressure suction device combined with an endoscope was used to re-explore the epistaxis. Nasal bleeding was induced using this method to help the operator locate the site of epistaxis accurately; the bleeding was then stopped using electrocoagulation with the suction electrode. The CG was treated with endoscopic re-exploration and selective tamponade. Results: Compared with the CG, there were statistically significant differences in length of hospital stay, rebleeding, and postoperative pain and complications (all p<.05). Conclusion and significance: Combining a negative pressure suction device and endoscope was a safe and effective technique for accurately locating bleeding sites in patients with refractory epistaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]