Nasal Polyp Surgery

Nasal polyps are small polypoidal masses that are seen in the nose. Their origin lies in the mucous membranes that line the nose and the sinuses present around it. These mucosal overgrowths are commonly seen in people that suffer from allergic rhinitis, which is an allergic inflammatory reaction. There are two types of nasal polyps depending on their origin - antrochoanal polyps, which arise from maxillary sinus lining and ethmoidal polyps, which arise from the lining of the ethmoid sinus, the latter one being more common than the former. As the exact cause of polyps is not known, more often than not, the treatment entails making use of topical steroids. In cases where this does not provide the person with adequate amount of relief, surgical options are evaluated.

Nasal Polyp Removal Surgery

If the nasal polyp treatment with steroid sprays does not manage to reduce the size of the nasal polyp, then surgery is the only option left. There are two different nasal polyp removal surgery types - polypectomy and endoscopic sinus surgery. A polypectomy is done in cases where there is only one sole small polyp. This surgical procedure makes use of a small suction device which extracts the soft tissue. A commonly used instrument for this procedure also includes a microdebrider, which cuts and then extracts the polyp remains.

The other option for a nasal polyp removal is an endoscopic surgery. This is a surgery that is done in cases where the polyp is large or recurring or which has a firm base in one of the paranasal sinuses. Thus, this procedure is done to correct sinus problems, which may be allergic in nature and thus, are the root cause of nasal polyp flare ups. An endoscope, which is a tube with a camera at one end, is inserted into the nostrils from where, with the help of indirect vision, the sinus and origin of polyp is traced. Then, instruments are used to remove the polyps and/or any other source of obstruction that may be present in the sinus or its passage.

Nasal Polyp Surgery Recovery Time

The recovery after a nasal polyp removal surgery is a slightly long drawn and well planned one which lasts for up to a week or more. Firstly, you need to rest at home when you are done with the surgery (most surgeries are out patient procedures). The nasal cavities will be packed with cotton and gauze so as to absorb any drainage of blood that may be seen post-surgically. This gauze pack may need to be changed periodically either by you or a professional. When the packing is removed, it is best to ensure that you do a saline irrigation in this region for two reasons - firstly, to remove any remaining blood or blood clots that may form and stick to the inner lining of the nasal cavities and secondly, to prevent the chances of a post-surgical infection. This also helps in promoting healing by keeping the sinuses moist. When you irrigate your nasal passages, you may have blood dripping out a little, but this is expected for the first few days after the surgery. However, one of the surgery risks is heavy bleeding and if this happens, then it is best to contact your doctor immediately and get your condition evaluated. The usual nasal polyp removal cost comes to around USD 1500 or so.

Nasal polyps is a very discomforting problem that may lead to disruption of our daily activities. And if this problem is coupled with allergic attacks of asthma, then conservative measures may not be adequate to keep this condition in check, and so, surgery may be your only option. If you suffer from repeated attacks of nasal polyps, then call your ENT surgeon and discuss the possibility of a nasal polyp surgery with him, so that he may guide you towards taking an informed decision.