Abstract
Objective: Septal dermoplasty has been recommended as the treatment of choice for life-threatening epistaxis in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. This study evaluates the complications of septal dermoplasty in the management of transfusion-dependent epistaxis. Study Design: Consecutive retrospective study. Subjects and Methods: Between 1994 and 2006, septal dermoplasty was performed on 106 consecutive patients with transfusion dependent epistaxis. Of 103 potential patients, 37 either died or were lost to follow-up, which left 66 patients for study. Data on complications and quality of life were collected on 50 (76%) of 66 patients (mean follow-up, 3.75 years) via phone interview. Results: Seventy-eight percent experienced nasal odor; 72% had nasal crusting; 58% had decreased sense of smell; 30% noted worsened sinus infection; 88% could breathe through their nose; 86% stated improved quality of life. Conclusion: Septal dermoplasty remains an effective way of treating transfusion dependent epistaxis in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and subjectively improves their quality of life.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 721-724 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery |
Volume | 138 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 1 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology