Is the obliteration of blood vessels useful?

The obliteration of blood vessels in the nose can be particularly suitable for patients who often or even very easily get nosebleeds. The obliteration of blood vessels can then reduce the frequency of nosebleeds. In addition, larger vessels that often bleed can also be completely sealed without endangering the blood supply to the nose because the nose has a very well networked network of blood vessels.

Surgical intervention can also be very useful for patients who suffer from hemophilia and can lose a lot of blood even with a harmless nosebleed, because it is often a very quick and complication-free measure to stop the bleeding. Whether and when coagulation is performed depends on the strength of the bleeding and is decided by the treating physician. On the other hand, coagulation is not advisable if a patient rarely complains of nosebleeds.

Often, non-invasive methods such as tamponade insertion are sufficient to stop the bleeding. Even in children who have a nosebleed, coagulation is often avoided. Many doctors also try other methods of stopping bleeding first and keep sclerotherapy as a last resort if all other measures are not effective.

Alternatives

The obliteration of blood vessels in the nose is always necessary when conventional methods are not sufficient to stop a nosebleed. Sclerotherapy of the responsible blood vessel is carried out either with a so-called acid etching or by electro- or laser coagulation. In most cases, this measure stops the heavy bleeding.

If haemostasis still does not occur, either the point of exit of the vessel has not been found, or the sclerotherapy was not sufficient. The ENT physician will then sclerotize the vessel site again. At the same time, other causes of nosebleeds should always be looked for.

For example, if a strongly elevated blood pressure has triggered a nosebleed, a nosebleed can occur again and again, despite obliteration, if the blood pressure is not lowered sufficiently. Even if blood disorders with a reduced platelet count are behind a severe nosebleed, a nosebleed can occur again and again. As a further measure, the ligation of a larger blood vessel can be performed. This involves closing a larger branch of the vessel from which the bleeding vessel branches off. This can significantly reduce the amount of blood that would be transferred to the bleeding vessel.