How Endoscopic Nasal Cauterization Stops Chronic Nosebleeds
- incisionary
- Jul 29, 2025
- 2 min read
Endoscopic nasal cauterization is a procedure used to address habitual or incapacitating nosebleeds that fail standard treatment. Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are most frequently spontaneous and self-limiting; however, some nosebleeds are stubborn. Cauterization is also an option when a specific bleeding vessel in the nose does not respond to medical treatment.
The inside of a person’s nose contains numerous fragile blood vessels, which can break due to environmental factors (dry air) or trauma, frequent nose-blowing, or pathophysiological conditions (high blood pressure, clotting disorders).
During endoscopic nasal cauterization, a thin camera called an endoscope allows a physician to visualize the inside of a person’s nasal passages. The endoscope allows the physician to accurately identify the location where bleeding originates, whereas traditional cauterization is more general in nature as it is not usually done with endoscopic visualization and may not be able to reach any further back than the front of the nose.
Once the bleeding site is identified, cauterization is accomplished using an agent such as silver nitrate, or with heat from an electrical device. The cautery either burns or seals the bleeding vessel gently so that it does not bleed again. Most endoscopic nasal cauterizations are done in a clinic or hospital with a local anesthetic.
The procedure is typically done as the patients remain awake, but the area inside the nose is numbed to minimize discomfort. In some situations, such as with young children or in the case of severe bleeding, general anesthesia may be used. The process usually takes less than 30 minutes, and patients can go home the same day.
Some possible complications, although rare, include infection, scabbing, or bleeding again. However, most patients find their nosebleeds are significantly improved, or stopped completely after endoscopic nasal cautery.
Endoscopic nasal cauterization is an effective and safe treatment for chronic nosebleeds. It is a targeted procedure with minimal discomfort, and enables people to return to their normal activities with fewer interruptions caused by nosebleeds.
Written by Ariela Okanta at Incisionary
APA References
admin. (2025). Endoscopic Cauterization For Epistaxis. Sinusvideos.com. https://www.sinusvideos.com/endoscopic-cauterization-for-epistaxis/
Behrooz Gandomi, Arzaghi, M. H., Khademi, B., & Rafatbakhsh, M. (2013). Endoscopic Cauterization of the Sphenopalatine Artery to Control Severe and Recurrent Posterior Epistaxis. Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, 25(72), 147.
MD, D. C. (2022, August 30). What Is a Nasal Endoscopy and Do You Need One? Ear Nose and Throat Doctors. https://www.entlubbock.com/blog/nasal-endoscopy/
Nasal Cautery. (2019). Nationwidechildrens.org. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/ear-nose-throat-ent-services-otolaryngology/find-a-service/nasal-cautery
Nose Cautery for Nosebleeds: What to Expect at Home. (2019). Alberta.ca. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abp6135
Paul, J., Sohit Paul Kanotra, & Sonika Kanotra. (2011). Endoscopic Management of Posterior Epistaxis. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, 63(2), 141–144. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-010-0054-0
Comments