Epistaxis

Bleeding from the nose.

Material
Wick of vaseline gauze

Fine dissecting forceps

Urinary catheter (sound) with n° 12 balloon

Technique

Figures 69, 70

First, introduce the vaseline gauze, not more than 2 cm, as far into the nose as possible, with dissecting forceps, and try to fold the gauze in pleats from behind forwards.
Pack the bleeding nasal cavity and hold it in place with an adhesive tape.

If bleeding continues despite the pack, posterior bleeding is occuring: introduce a Foley catheter (n°12) as far as the oropharynx, inflate the balloon with 10 to 15 ml of air (Figure 69), and pull back until it abuts on the posterior pharyngeal wall. Then, introduce the vaseline gauze as before. Maintain the catheter and the gauze mesh with an adhesive tape (Figure 70).

If bleeding continues, it is coming from the other nostril.

The pack must remain for at least 3 days.

FIGURE