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Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2012; 16(04): 527-529
DOI: 10.7162/S1809-97772012000400016
Case Report
Thieme Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Severe complication of posterior nasal packing: Case Report

José Antônio Pinto
1   President of the Brazilian Society of Laryngology and Voice (2001-2003). Director of the Center for Otolaryngology and Head and Neck of St. Paul.
,
Pedro Paulo Vivacqua da Cunha Cintra
2   Doctor in Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, USP - Ribeirão Preto. Physician Assistant at the Center for Otolaryngology and Head and Neck of St. Paul.
,
Thiago Branco Sônego
3   Medical (a). Resident Center for Otolaryngology and Head and Neck of St. Paul.
,
Carolina de Farias Aires Leal
3   Medical (a). Resident Center for Otolaryngology and Head and Neck of St. Paul.
,
Marina Spadari Artico
3   Medical (a). Resident Center for Otolaryngology and Head and Neck of St. Paul.
,
Josemar dos Santos Soares
3   Medical (a). Resident Center for Otolaryngology and Head and Neck of St. Paul.
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

18 August 2010

24 October 2010

Publication Date:
10 December 2013 (online)

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Summary

Introduction: Severe Epistaxis is common in patients with head trauma, especially when associated with multiple fractures of the face and skull base. Several methods of controlling bleeding that can be imposed. The anterior nasal tapenade associated with posterior Foley catheter is one of the most widespread, and the universal availability of necessary materials or their apparent ease of execution.

Methods: Case report on control of severe epistaxis after severe TBI, with posterior nasal packing by Foley catheter and control tomography showing multiple fractures of the skull base and penetration of the probe into the brain parenchyma.

Conclusion: This is a rare but possible complication in the treatment of severe nose bleeds associated with fracture of the skull base. This brief report highlights risks related to the method and suggests some care to prevent complications related through a brief literature review.

Keywords

epistaxis - fracture of the skull base - Craniocerebral Trauma
 

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