Nasal Polyp Surgery

Nasal polyps are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They are either present singly or as multiples, appearing as grey or yellow colored masses resembling a cluster of grapes.

Causes

The probable causes include a hereditary tendency to develop polyps or chronic inflammation of the mucosal lining of the nose. Researchers are yet to discover the exact cause of this inflammation trigger.

Symptoms

Patients with a polyp present in the nose often experience a decreased sense of smell associated with a stuffy, runny nose and asthmatic symptoms.

Procedure

Endoscopic sinus surgery is usually recommended for large sized polyps that do not respond well to medical treatment. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis using an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end. The surgeon inserts the endoscope into your nostril and guides it into the sinus cavities. The endoscope camera helps in the clear visualization of the polyps. The polyps are then removed using tiny surgical instruments contained within the scope. Your surgeon may send some of the polyp tissue for pathological examination to rule out cancer. Your surgeon may also widen the openings of the sinus cavities during this surgery.

Occasionally, small, isolated polyps can be a source of discomfort. These can be surgically removed using a small suction device in an outpatient surgery called a polypectomy.

Risks and Complications 

The surgery is not entirely fool proof, and polyps may recur. Some of the potential complications include bleeding, leakage of spinal fluid due to the proximity of the brain and sinuses and very rarely, visual problems have also been reported.