Nose cautery – treatment for nosebleeds
Nose cauterisation, also known as nasal cautery, is a minor procedure used to treat nosebleeds (also known as epistaxis). 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.
Sometimes, nasal cautery is carried out at the same time as other procedures such as septoplasty or sinus surgery, to improve nasal breathing.
What causes a nosebleed?
A nosebleed occurs when one of the blood vessels in the tissue lining of the nose bursts. Nosebleeds may be caused by injury, infection, blood clotting issues, medication, allergic reaction or structural issues in the nose. They are usually harmless although they may be a sign of an underlying condition and can cause a great deal of distress if they are severe or very frequent.
Treatment for frequent nosebleeds
Minor nosebleeds can be treated with first aid such as tilting the head forward and squeezing nostrils together.
If the bleeding continues or nosebleeds are frequent treatment may include:
- Ointment – to slow blood flow to the inside of the nose
- Nasal packing – gauze applied inside the nose to facilitate healing
- Nasal cautery
The nasal cautery procedure
Cautery can be completed using different methods. The most common method is carried out using local anaesthetic while a topical chemical like silver nitrate is placed on the affected vessel.
Under general anaesthetic other techniques such as electrocautery (electricity used to heat the tissue) may be used.
Each case is different, typically one nostril is done at a time. Our team can discuss the most suitable option for your circumstances.
Our ENT Specialist team
Our team is highly regarded in the field of nasal cauterisation.
Mr Yi Chen Zhao
- Nasal allergy and immunotherapy specialist
- The nose specialist and current head of nasal and sinus surgery at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.
- Specialist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital with the neurosurgeons that perform operations from the nose to the brain
Mr. Nathan Hayward
- ENT surgeon in Melbourne
- Unique expertise in sleep and snoring surgery
- Works with respiratory physicians to specialise in sleep studies and sleep apnoea
Mr. Sam Flatman
- ENT surgeon in Melbourne and visit Gippsland.
- Works at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre treating head and neck cancers.
Mr. Tim Baker
- Experienced head, neck and rhinoplasty surgeon
- 20 years’ experience in all aspects of ENT specialising in rhinoplasty and head and neck cancers
What to expect from your consultation
Before progressing with any treatments at ENT Specialist Group, we want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision and know exactly what to expect.
There is no single treatment for severe nosebleeds as every case is different. Some patients may experience relief from non-surgical options while others may require surgery.
Fast appointments
We’re HotDoc integrated which means you can book and schedule an appointment online or via mobile any time of night or day. We aim to accommodate urgent GP referrals within 24 hours.
What happens next?
If you’re in Melbourne or regional areas of Victoria and you’re concerned about epistaxis we invite you to contact us for a consultation. We will discuss all your options and help you feel empowered to take the next step.
Where can I make an appointment to discuss nasal cautery and other nosebleed treatments?
To help ensure our services are accessible for all Victorians, We consult at various locations across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Visit us at:
- Heidelberg
- Bendigo
- Shepparton
- Sale
- Wantirna
If you’d like to understand more about treatment and surgical options, contact us today or make an online booking.
