To evaluate the short- to medium-term effectiveness of potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser Dermastat in patients with recurrent anterior epistaxis.

Fifty-eight patients presenting with recurrent anterior epistaxis were treated using potassium titanyl phosphate laser Dermastat. Those with recurrent epistaxis arising from prominent vessels in Little's area, and/or those for whom treatment with silver nitrate cautery failed, were included. The main outcome measure was resolution of epistaxis at two months.

Fifty-eight patients were treated; 27 were under 18 years old. Thirty patients had prominent vessels. Thirty-one patients had undergone previous cautery treatment. Thirty-eight patients had treatment to the left side, 19 to the right and 1 to both. At two months, 74 per cent reported resolution of epistaxis with no complications. This increased to 78 per cent at further follow up.

Our technique is a successful, safe treatment for recurrent anterior epistaxis in an otherwise treatment-resistant group. A single procedure is effective. The handpiece and tip are reusable and sterilisable, resulting in cost-effectiveness.