Polyps are removed from the nose and sinuses to help patients breathe more easily through the nose
Nasal polypectomy is usually performed in conjunction with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS),
Nasal polypectomy is performed under general anaesthetic as a day case.
Patients are advised to take a one week course of steroid tablets before the operation. This shrinks the polyps and reduces inflammation, thereby making the procedure safer and quicker.
The polyps are visualised with an endoscope through the nose and then removed using a powered instrument called a microdebrider. This sucks the polyps into the instrument which then shaves them off. This instrument minimises trauma to the lining of the nose, thus reducing pain and bleeding.
Small nasal dressings are usually left inside the nose for two hours after the operation and removed before the patient goes home.
Steroid nose drops and antibiotics are usually prescribed after the operation.
To reduce the risk of bleeding from the nose, patients are advised to take two weeks off work.
After the nose drops have finished, it is important to use a steroid nose spray long-term. This reduces the risk of the polyps recurring.
