53064 - Nasal Cryotherapy

The need for cryotherapy to the nose in the treatment of nasal hemorrhage arises when a patient experiences recurrent or persistent epistaxis—often from fragile nasal vessels or minor trauma—requiring the application of extreme cold under anesthesia to freeze and destroy bleeding sites, thereby controlling hemorrhage and preventing recurrence. This procedure is indicated for manageable nasal bleeding not requiring extensive packing or surgery, critical in the maxillofacial region where nasal vessel fragility can disrupt comfort and respiratory health.

Several scenarios underscore the necessity of this intervention:

• Recurrent epistaxis: Frequent nosebleeds from telangiectasia or dry mucosa might persist despite cauterization, needing cryotherapy to ablate the problematic vessels.
• Minor trauma: A small nasal injury causing ongoing bleeding could benefit from freezing to seal the vessels without invasive measures.
• Vascular fragility: Conditions like hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia might cause superficial bleeds, prompting cryotherapy to reduce vessel fragility and control hemorrhage.
• Non-surgical option: Patients with mild but bothersome bleeding might prefer cryotherapy as a less invasive alternative to packing or diathermy for quick relief.

For instance, a patient with frequent nosebleeds from dry nasal mucosa in winter might undergo cryotherapy to target the bleeding sites, performed under anesthesia for comfort and precision. In an aged care context, an elderly patient with recurrent epistaxis due to thinning nasal vessels—possibly worsened by blood thinners—could benefit from this to avoid more invasive interventions, adjusted for their frailty and sensitivity. By freezing the bleeding areas, this service effectively controls hemorrhage, reduces the likelihood of future bleeds, and minimizes patient discomfort, making it a practical and targeted treatment for nasal hemorrhage within the maxillofacial framework.

Controls nasal bleeding, prevents recurrence, and improves nasal comfort.

Recovery of a few days with mild nasal irritation and crusting; minimal downtime typically outpatient.