Hemorrhagic Complications of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Ashleigh A Halderman; Raj Sindwani; Troy D Woodard

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2015.05.006

Hemorrhagic Complications of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2015 Oct;48(5):783-93. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2015.05.006.

Authors

Ashleigh A Halderman¹, Raj Sindwani¹, Troy D Woodard²

Affiliations

¹ Section of Rhinology, Sinus and Skull Base Surgery, Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue/A71, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
² Section of Rhinology, Sinus and Skull Base Surgery, Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue/A71, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 26318796
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2015.05.006

Abstract

Major complications during endoscopic sinus surgery are rare and occur in 0.36% to 3.1% of patients. Postoperative hemorrhage accounts for 23% to 39% of complications. Despite being rare, major hemorrhage can be serious for the patient. This article discusses hemorrhagic complications during and following endoscopic sinus surgery, focusing on a review of the surgical anatomy, common pitfalls to avoid, preventative measures, and management of certain catastrophic complications for which preparedness can mean the difference between life and death.

Keywords: Anterior ethmoid artery; Endoscopic sinus surgery; Epistaxis; Internal carotid artery; Posterior ethmoid artery; Sphenopalatine artery.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Endoscopy / adverse effects*
Epistaxis / etiology*
Humans
Paranasal Sinuses / surgery*
Postoperative Complications / etiology
Postoperative Complications / prevention & control*
Postoperative Hemorrhage / epidemiology*