Removing nasal polyps improves breathing through the nose
The Procedure
This procedure removes nasal polyps and is normally performed under general anaesthetic as a day case. It is quite often performed in conjunction with Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
Patients are advised to take a 1 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 a telescope 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 2 hours after the operation and removed before the patient goes home.
Aftercare
Steroid nose drops and antibiotics are usually prescribed for after the operation.
To reduce the risk of bleeding from the nose, patients are advised to take 2 weeks off work.
After the nose drops have finished, it is important to use a steroid nose spray long-term. This reduces the chance of the polyps recurring.