How safe is submucosal diathermy?

J Laryngol Otol. 1990 May;104(5):408-9. doi: 10.1017/s0022215100158566.

Abstract

Submucosal diathermy (SMD) is a common surgical procedure carried out to improve the nasal airway. A case is presented in which it was followed by profuse epistaxis which required transfusion of 28 units of blood, eight units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and four units of platelets within 14 days.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electrocoagulation / adverse effects*
  • Epistaxis / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nasal Mucosa / pathology
  • Nasal Mucosa / surgery
  • Necrosis / etiology
  • Turbinates / pathology
  • Turbinates / surgery*