If nose bleeding has become embarrassingly unbearable for you, Nose cauterization is a permanent solution to treat it. Nose cauterization is a surgical procedure that seals the blood vessels in the nose to stop bleeding. It can be done by either burning or cutting off the tissue around the vessel, then sealing it with an electric current. You can opt for any method according to your suitability and budget to get the proper treatment. However, understanding the Pros and Cons of Nose Cauterization beforehand will help you make a better decision.
What are the Pros of Nose Cauterization?
You can treat nosebleeds through different methods used in nasal cauterization. The procedures are relatively quicker, cheaper, and safer. Here are some of the prominent Pros of Nose Cauterization.
1. Nose Cauterization is a minor Procedure
This procedure can be performed in the comfort of your own surroundings. It's less stressful and much more convenient compared to going to a hospital for surgery. This procedure requires minimal equipment, which simplifies things too. You won't need stitches after nose cauterization because there are none.
2. Nasal Cautery is a Quick Procedure
Your surgery will take under an hour, and you'll be allowed to go home after 30 minutes of recovery time. This makes it much more convenient than other nose surgeries, which could mean days in the hospital before going back home.
3. Cost Effectiveness is one of the Pros of Nose Cauterization
This simple procedure in the comfort of your own surroundings won't cost you an arm and a leg in hospital bills. Nose cauterization in the doctor's office or at home will only set you back about $500, compared to thousands for other surgeries that require much more equipment.
4. Nose cauterization is a safe surgery
Compared to other nose surgeries, this procedure has the lowest complication rates, and fewest people experience infections after it. This means you won't have to spend extra time in hospital or take antibiotics for months on end.
5. It can be performed under Local Anesthesia
This means you'll feel much more relaxed and comfortable during your surgery than surgeries where patients are put under general anaesthesia. This also makes nose cauterization a good option for older people who aren't in the best health.
6. Nose Cauterization Doesn't Affect Your Sense of Smell
Other nose surgeries can leave you losing the ability to smell things, but this isn't an issue for people who have their blood vessels sealed via cauterization.
What are the Cons of Nose Cauterization?
Since it’s a medical procedure, it does involve some risks and prior medical checks. You may come across some cons of nose cauterization methods depending on your current medical condition, the severity of nosebleeds, and tolerance to the procedure.
1. You May Need Multiple Procedures
You will need multiple procedures to cure nasal conditions such as chronic sinusitis and respiratory problems like Sleep Apnea. If only one surgery is done on someone with these issues, they may experience temporary relief. It will eventually come back again after about six months or so.
2. Not safe for Pregnant Women
Nose Cauterizations are not suited for everyone, including pregnant women since it's considered an elective procedure. This means there are no immediate health benefits if performed during pregnancy.
3. Unsafe for Heart Patients
People with heart conditions and other similar medical issues may not be suitable for nose cauterizations either, as this procedure could cause serious problems. If you have a pacemaker, notify your doctor prior to the surgery.
4. Slight Discomfort and Pain are Common cons of Nose Cauterization
This procedure can be very painful and uncomfortable for some people, which is a significant disadvantage compared to other nose surgeries. It's also not as efficient as other treatments in curing breathing problems caused by the sinuses or enlarged turbinates, such as sleep apnea. This may mean you'll need another surgery done on your nose later down the line.
5. Risks of Infection
This procedure can lead to minor infections, from temporary nosebleeds to fever. However, the side effects vanish usually within 3 to 5 days by taking the antibiotics your doctor prescribes. Continuous bleeding and pain are rare cons of nose cauterization, which must be reported to the doctor immediately. You have to adhere to what the doctor instructed you to take as a post-surgery measure. If you don't, this may worsen or reverse the condition.
What are Different Methods of Nose Cauterization?
The most common types are Electrocautery, Lasers, and Silver Nitrate Cautery. People with nosebleeds often seek the following methods to treat the problem.
1. Electrocauterization
Electrocauterization is done by burning the tissue around the vessel with the electric current then sealing it off by applying an electrical current to blood vessels. This procedure can risk damaging other tissues nearby because electricity travels through any conductive material surrounding it, including skin or bone cells.
This method is also not very precise since using a sharp object would be better at limiting damage to targeted areas. Still, this method requires larger incisions, leading to more bleeding times before stopping the bleeding completely.
2. Laser Cautery
Laser Cautery works similarly as they burn tissues without actually cutting them. It delivers high-intensity light to the blood vessel, which causes tissues surrounding it to die, then a probe is inserted into the cavity and absorbs heat from vessels to seal them off.
One of the pros of nasal cautery through laser treatment is that you can precisely control what types of cells are affected by lasers. Since sharp objects used in cautery may damage non-target tissue while deep penetration isn't necessary here, bleeding time would be shorter when you stop bleeding altogether.
3. Silver Nitrate Cautery
Silver Nitrate Cautery causes tissue damage by cauterizing blood vessels which releases Methemoglobin into the bloodstream. This protein prevents red blood cells from carrying oxygen throughout your body, so you have to breathe pure oxygen for about six hours after surgery. Otherwise, you can experience serious complications that may even lead to death if untreated.
The benefit of this method is its precision because silver nitrates are deposited onto specific types of tissues without affecting others, making less bleeding time before stopping completely. It does cause more pain, and there's a higher risk for infection, scarring, and other adverse side effects if not treated properly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which types of nose cauterization methods work best?
Each method has its pros and cons, so you should talk with your surgeon about the best nose cauterisation types. It's also essential to understand the risks associated with each procedure before scheduling surgery.
What are the side effects of nose cauterization?
You might feel unpleasant itching and discomfort in your nose for 3 to 5 days after the procedure. OTC pain pills can assist with discomfort. After that, you may think about touching, scratching, or picking at the inside of your nose. However, this can lead to additional nosebleeds.
Is nose cauterization safe?
Cauterizing the nose is a standard treatment for recurrent or persistent, minor to moderate nosebleeds. This can usually be done comfortably and safely in the office under local or topical anesthesia (numbing medicine is placed into the nose, and the patient remains awake during the operation).
Does nose cauterization last forever?
The nosebleed will subside once the cut has healed. But, unfortunately, this isn't a long-lasting cure. The cauterized blood vessel will regrow in a few months, or another vessel will break. So there is no permanent solution for nosebleeds.
How effective is nasal cauterization?
Cauterization is a very successful approach for treating persistent nose bleeds. However, the chemical used to seal the vessels resulted in a scab that appeared black at first. Therefore, it's critical to avoid stress on this zone while it heals since disrupting it may cause additional bleeding.
How long does cauterization take to heal?
The time required to recover completely will be determined by the size of the treated region and the quantity of tissue removed. Usually, healing takes place in two to four weeks. However, if a big tissue area is affected, it might take longer.
FAQs
After the procedure, you may feel itching and pain in your nose for 3 to 5 days. Over-the-counter pain medicines can help with pain. You may feel like you want to touch, scratch, or pick at the inside of your nose. But doing this may cause more nosebleeds.
Should I get my nose cauterized? ›
Nosebleeds occur when one of the blood vessels that lines the nose bursts. This may be the result of fragile blood vessels, infection, allergies, head trauma, foreign object in the nose or nose picking. When nosebleeds occur frequently, your or your child's doctor may recommend cauterization.
At what point should you get your nose cauterized? ›
Typically, children benefit from nasal cautery when they have recurrent nosebleeds. These episodes can occur from a prominent blood vessel in the nose that bleeds from trauma (nose picking, rubbing nose, or bumping nose), from drying (dessication) of the mucous membranes lining the nose, or from another reason.
What is the success rate of nose cauterization? ›
Stopping the Bleeding
Silver nitrate is best for minor nosebleeds, because more extensive blood flow will clear out the silver nitrate before it can induce coagulation. Chemical cautery has an 80% or higher initial success rate.
What are the negative effects of cauterisation? ›
The procedure poses a risk for burns, scarring, and damage of healthy tissue. That's why it should be done by a medical professional only. They'll know exactly where to apply the electricity or chemicals, as well as how much pressure to use. After your wound has been cauterized, be sure to take care of it.
Why is cauterization bad? ›
Cautery was historically believed to prevent infection, but current research shows that cautery actually increases the risk for infection by causing more tissue damage and providing a more hospitable environment for bacterial growth.
How long does it take for your nose to heal after cauterization? ›
How Long Does It Take to Heal After Nasal Cauterization? The nose has a vast blood supply, allowing it to heal within two weeks.
Are you awake during nose cauterization? ›
Cauterization of the nose is performed to control recurrent or troublesome, mild to moderate nosebleeds. This can usually be performed safely and comfortably in the office under local or topical anesthesia (numbing medicine is placed into the nose and the patient remains awake during the procedure).
How long does it take to heal after cauterization? ›
The wound area should remain dry for the first 24-48 hours of recovery to assist with healing. After this time, remove the dressing and softly wash and dry the area. The wound should fully heal within two to three weeks with only a flat, round scar remaining which will slowly fade to closely match the surrounding skin.
Do you get put to sleep for cauterization? ›
It's typically not painful when you receive electrocauterization from a healthcare provider. You receive medications to numb the area or put you to sleep before the procedure. Electrocauterization is a method of using electricity to apply heat to tissue.
If you have frequent nosebleeds, your ENT specialist may recommend that you have your blood vessels cauterized in the office (burned under local or general anesthesia) to prevent bleeding. Occasionally, this has to be done in the operating room. Certain medications, such as blood thinners, can worsen nosebleeds.
What age can you do nasal cautery? ›
Cautery. Consult a senior doctor if cautery is required. Do not attempt under the age of four years as it is unlikely the child will cooperate. If these measures stop the bleeding, see discharge information below.
How safe is cauterization? ›
It is a safe procedure. A small probe with an electric current running through it is used to burn or destroy the tissue. A grounding pad is placed on the body (usually the thigh) before the surgery to protect the person from the harmful effects of the electricity.
Does nose cauterization always work? ›
Cautery is a very effective technique for treating persistant nose bleeds. During the procedure, the chemical applied to the vessels created a scab that may initially appear dark grey. It is important to protect this area from trauma and to let it heal, as disturbing it may cause further bleeding.
What should you avoid after cauterization? ›
Avoid very hot baths. Do not blow our nose – sniff instead. Do not pick your nose – a small scab will form where the blood vessel has been cauterised and this scab should not be disturbed. If you need to sneeze, do it with your mouth open.
Can cauterization damage nerves? ›
CAUTERY IS often performed in close proximity to cranial nerves during head and neck surgery. This can result in neural injury beyond the cauterized site. The potential neuromuscular morbidity is underreported in the head and neck literature as well as in that of other surgical fields.
What is the aftercare for cauterization? ›
Keep the wound and dressing completely dry for 48 hours. After 48 hours you may remove the dressing and wash the area with soap and water gently but do not soak in a bath. Do not use a strong shower jet directly to the area. After wetting pat dry – do not rub.
What are the complications of silver nitrate cauterization? ›
Silver nitrate when used topically has been noted to cause irritation, redness. The main toxic effect of topical silver nitrate is a generalized gray pigmentation of the skin called argyria. This is very rare with chronic topical use and typically occurs more frequently with chronic systemic absorption.
How can I strengthen my nose blood vessels? ›
Include some vitamin C and flavonoid rich foods in your diet such as apples, garlic, citrus fruit, watermelon and onions. These help strengthen the capillaries, making them less prone to bleeding.
Does your nose scab after cauterization? ›
Nasal Cauterization
Cauterization destroys the fragile superficial blood vessels in the nasal lining that are easily bleeding. Cautery also injures the nasal lining temporarily, and as it heals you will develop a scab.
Nose cautery – treatment for nosebleeds
In nose cauterisation, a small chemical cautery stick is applied to the mucous membranes in the nose to stop bleeding. This procedure is often performed with local anaesthetic or it may be conducted in an operating room under general anesthesia.
How much does it cost to have your nose cauterized? ›
On MDsave, the cost of a Nasal Cautery (in office) ranges from $254 to $466. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can shop, compare prices and save. Read more about how MDsave works.
What are the benefits of cauterization? ›
The primary benefit of cauterization is that it stops bleeding quickly and effectively. This may help avoid future tissue injury and lower the chance of infection. Cauterization also helps reduce pain associated with the procedure as well as any scarring that may occur afterwards.
Can I take a shower after getting my nose cauterized? ›
Physical activity considerations: During the first 72 hours: Avoid steam, hot drinks and showers (warm is fine), as this may cause a nose bleed (epistaxis).
Why do I get a lot of nosebleeds in one nostril? ›
It there is a prominent blood vessel on one side- or if the septum- (center wall of the nose) is deviated (twisted)- then there can be a prominent point on the wall that the air hits and dries out faster. Both of these will cause nose bleeds to be more common on one side.
Should I go to ENT for nose bleeds? ›
Frequent nosebleeds—If frequent nosebleeds are a problem, it is important to consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist, who will carefully examine the nose using an endoscope (a pencil-sized scope) to see inside the nose before making a treatment recommendation.
What causes constant nosebleeds? ›
A nosebleed can be caused by a range of factors, including: fragile blood vessels that bleed easily, perhaps in warm dry air or after exercise. an infection of the nose lining, sinuses or adenoids. an allergy that causes hay fever or coughing.
How do you take care of your nose after cautery? ›
Nose care
- Don't touch the part of your nose that was treated.
- Try not to bump your nose.
- To avoid irritating your nose, do not blow your nose for 2 weeks. ...
- If you get another nosebleed: ...
- Apply antibacterial ointment or saline nasal spray to the inside of your nose several times a day after your procedure.
Nosebleed cauterization can help prevent nosebleeds if they become a recurring problem. During the procedure, the doctor will numb the inside of your nose. They will then use either a chemical swab or an electric current (known as electrosurgery) to seal the blood vessels.
Can you go to school after nose cauterization? ›
Your child can take part in normal activity, as they are able. If your child is in daycare or school, they may return the day after the procedure. Do not blow the nose for 1 week. Wipe the nose with a tissue rather than blowing it.
Never operate electrosurgical equipment with wet hands or wet gloves. If sterile gloves have holes in them, electrical current can pass through. Be sure that all team members at the surgical field have intact gloves. Never operate electrosurgical equipment while standing on a wet surface.
What happens if nose cauterization doesn't work? ›
If cautery has not stopped the bleeding after 2 attempts, another technique, such as a nasal tamponade. Epistaxis may be due to bleeding from the anterior or posterior nasal passage.
Is nasal cauterization permanent? ›
Whilst nasal cautery works well it is not a permanent cure and the nose bleeds can recur.
Is nasal cauterization considered surgery? ›
Nasal cautery is a type of surgery (operation) to treat nose bleeds. It involves using electricity to seal blood vessels in the nose that bleed regularly.
Does nose cauterization require anesthesia? ›
In young children and some older children, this is typically scheduled to be done in the operating room under general anesthesia. In older children and teenagers, chemical cautery can sometimes be performed in clinic with either no anesthesia or a small amount of topical numbing medicine.
