Using this guide What's covered
Here you’ll find answers to many of your questions about nasal polyp removal (also known as nasal polypectomy). Learn how it’s done, what it may cost, what your recovery may be like, and more.
For personal insights, see our patient experience videos in which HCF members talk frankly about their preparation, surgery and recovery.
Cost indicator
Discover the typical out-of-pocket costs HCF members can expect to pay for nasal polyp removal and learn how your choice of surgeon and hospital affect that cost.
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The basics
What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, grape-like lumps of tissue that can grow inside your nose and sinuses. They’re not usually painful but they can cause problems with breathing and your sense of smell. They are a consequence of inflammation in chronic sinusitis. Most nasal polyps are fairly small but sometimes become very large.
What’s nasal polyp removal?
Nasal polyp removal (nasal polypectomy) is a surgical procedure that aims to remove your nasal polyps. It is usually done in combination with sinus surgery or other surgeries like nasal turbinate surgery, nasal septum surgery (septoplasty) and is rarely performed alone.
How’s it done?
The surgery is performed through your nostrils. Your surgeon views the inside of your nose through a nasal endoscope which has a camera and light on the tip. They then use instruments to remove the polyps.
The details
CONSIDERING THE PROCEDURE
Alternatives to nasal polyp removal
There may be alternatives to nasal polyp removal depending on your condition.
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Types of nasal polyp removal
There are different ways to reduce or remove nasal polyps.
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Results vs risks of the procedure
The benefits and potential complications of nasal polyp removal.
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Choosing a specialist
How to find an ear, nose and throat surgeon who specialises in this procedure.
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PREPARATION
Questions for your specialist
What you should ask before going ahead with nasal polyp removal.
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Preparing for your procedure
Pre-operative tests and preparation.
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Your anaesthetic options
The anaesthesia and post-op pain relief you may be offered.
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YOUR PROCEDURE
Going to hospital
What to expect on the day of your surgery.
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Your procedure
What happens in the operating theatre.
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RECOVERY AND AFTERCARE
After your surgery
Your hospital stay.
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Recovery and aftercare
Resuming activities and watching for problems.
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PATIENT EXPERIENCES
People who’ve had nasal surgery talk about their preparation, hospital stay and recovery.
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Give us feedback
Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know what you liked or what we can do to improve it. We'd love to hear from you.
To provide feedback, email us at wellbeing@hcf.com.au.
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Important information
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.
