Surgery for frequent nosebleeds (Epistaxis/Diathermy)

The nose has a very rich blood supply and therefore bleeding can easily occur. In the vast majority of cases, the source of bleeding is some large blood vessels which are located anteriorly on both sides of the nasal septum. Bleeding can occur both after the nasal pill, due to dry air, but also for other reasons such as e.g. side effect to the use of nasal spray, blood-thinning medication or high blood pressure.

Adults who can contribute to general examination and instrumentation of the nose can usually contribute to being treated under local anaesthetic. 

First, the specialist determines where the bleeding source is located in the nose using a thorough binocular examination. Next, the mucosa corresponding to the area to be treated is anesthetized. This is done by placing cotton wool with numbing drops up the nose and is completely painless. After some time, the area can then be treated with an electric torch which burns the mucous membrane and the blood vessel which bleeds. When the area is subsequently healed, the blood vessel is then replaced with scar tissue covered with mucous membrane and bleeding is thus no longer possible.

Children under the age of 15 and adults who cannot participate in a general examination of the nose without discomfort have the option of being treated under full anesthesia. Prior to the treatment, the patient is put under full anesthesia through a drop in the hand, after which the treatment is carried out while the patient is asleep.