A new bipolar diathermy probe for the outpatient management of adult acute epistaxis

The findings of a prospective evaluation of the use of a newly-designed bipolar diathermy probe in the outpatient management of adult acute epistaxis are presented. Forty-four adult patients with acute epistaxis were treated with bipolar diathermy after identification of the bleeding point using a rod lens endoscope. The use of the nasal endoscope allowed diagnosis of the source of the bleeding point in all patients. In all 44 patients immediate control of the bleeding was achieved. The use of the bipolar probe obviated the need for hospital admission in 31 patients (70%). Three patients had recurrence of their epistaxis after treatment (7%). The number of patients requiring admission to hospital with epistaxis was significantly reduced using the new bipolar strategy. (4.4/month versus 1.2/month, P < 0.002).