Clinical analysis of delayed epistaxis following endoscopic sinus surgery

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment methods associated with delayed epistaxis following endoscopic sinus surgery.MethodsThe clinical data of 46 patients with delayed epistaxis following endoscopic sinus surgery were retrospectively analyzed. To explore the clinical features, pathogenesis, and treatment plan for delayed epistaxis, the postoperative bleeding time, bleeding inducements, systemic complications, surgical approach, the hemorrhage locations and responsible vessels, and treatment methods were analyzed.ResultsThe average bleeding time was 16.34 ± 9.05 days after the operation, and 76.6% of the cases occurred 6–20 days after the operation. Sphenopalatal artery hemorrhage accounted for 69.6% (32/46), the most common of which was a posterior nasal septal artery hemorrhage (17/32). A total of 45 patients received endoscopic low-temperature plasma hemostasis following ineffective nasal packing, and no rebleeding in the ipsilateral nasal cavity was observed during the postoperative follow-up for 3 to 6 months.ConclusionsThe peak of hemorrhaging in delayed epistaxis following endoscopic sinus surgery occurred at 6–20 days post-operatively. Bleeding of the posterior nasal septal artery from the sphenopalatine artery was the most common. Surgical methods were closely related to delayed postoperative hemorrhage. Treatment with low temperature plasma hemostasis under nasal endoscope was found to be effective.