Before you agree to have your nasal polypectomy operation, it is important to know all you can about this nose surgery. The information here is a guide to common medical practice. Each hospital and doctor will have slightly different ways of doing things, so you should follow their guidance where it is different from the information given here. Because all patients, conditions and treatments vary it cannot cover everything. Use this information when making your nose surgery choices with your doctors. You should mention any worries you have. Remember that you can ask for more information at any time.
What is the problem?
You have nasal polyps. Your nose probably feels blocked. The polyps can block odours from reaching the part of your nose which responds to scent resulting in some loss of your sense of smell.
What are nasal polyps?
A polyp is a growth. They are usually benign, meaning not harmful. Polyps appear as soft swellings, which hang down like small grapes. Polyps come in many shapes and sizes.
Nasal polyp
Nasal polyp 2
Nasal polyps come from the mucous membranes, which line your sinuses. Your sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones of your face and skull. These spaces connect with the inside of your nose through tiny holes and passages. Polyps can come through these openings into the inside of your nose and block your nasal passages.
What has gone wrong?
Polyps usually start in the sinuses at the top of your nose between your eyes. As they grow they can block the inside of your nose and other sinuses. They can cause discharge or infection and reduce your sense of smell. The cause of polyps is unknown, but they may occur in people with respiratory allergies, such as hay fever and in asthmatics.
The aims
The aim of a nasal polypectomy operation is to remove the polyps from the inside of your nose. You will have a full general anaesthetic and be completely asleep for the operation.
The benefits
Removing the polyps will relieve your blocked nose. Blocked sinuses will then have a better chance to clear. If you have a reduced sense of smell, this should improve but it may not always return to normal.
In some people polyps grow back again. This may be within a year or even several years later. We cannot predict whether you will have more polyps; only time will tell.
Are there any alternatives?
Steroid tablets or sprays may shrink nasal polyps. They may return when the steroids are stopped.
What if you do nothing?
The polyps may get bigger causing more nasal and sinus blockage. As your nose fills with polyps, your sense of smell will probably reduce. The blockage may cause a fluid build up in your sinuses. This can lead to infection and painful sinuses, called sinusitis.
Who should have it done?
If you have nasal polyps that cause blockage problems you should have them removed.
Who should not have it done?
If you have a medical condition that would make it unsafe for you to have a general anaesthetic you should not have one.
Author: Mr Robert Ruckley MB. ChB. F.R.C.S. Consultant ENT surgeon.
© Dumas Ltd 2006
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