Radiofrequency coagulation versus liquid paraffin plus antiseptic cream in the treatment of recurrent anterior epistaxis

Abstract EN

Objectives : To evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency coagulation and to compare it with that of liquid paraffin plus antiseptic cream in the management of recurrent anterior epistaxis.

Design : Prospective clinical trial.

Between February 2011 and July 2012, one hundred consecutive patients with histories of recurrent anterior epistaxis were randomly assigned to receive treatment consisting of either a combination of liquid paraffin plus antiseptic cream (group 1) or radiofrequency coagulation (group 2).

Setting : Benha University Hospital.

Main outcome measures : The Epistaxis Severity Score ; before treatment, at 4, 12 weeks, 6 and 12 months after treatment, participant’s perception of discomfort during the management and complications.

Results : The severity score of the 94 patients who had full data at 4 weeks after treatment shows no statistically significant differences between the two groups.

However, at 12 weeks ; 85 % of the radiofrequency group versus 40 % of paraffin-antiseptic group patients had reported no bleeding.

At 6 months ; 74 % of the radiofrequency group versus 25 % of the paraffin-antiseptic group patients reported no bleeding.

At 12 months, 70 % of the radiofrequency group versus 23 % of the paraffinantiseptic group patients reported no bleeding.

Both groups had no complications.

The level of pain associated with the procedure was tolerable.

Mean duration of the radiofrequency procedure was 14.2 min.