Resurfacing the nasomaxillary cavity for management of epistaxis in Osler-Rendu-Weber disease

Abstract

Recurrent massive epistaxes due to heriditary haemorrhagic telangectasia were managed in two patients by ablation of the mucosa of the nasal and maxillary cavities and resurfacing with radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flaps. Both patients had undergone multiple procedures attempting to control the epistaxes prior to the definitive procedures described. Both patients remained epistaxis free postoperatively and retained their nasal airways. Olfactory function was preserved in the second patient due to preservation of the superior turbinate and cribriform olfactory mucosa.