Nasal polyp removal is a common ear, nose and throat surgery.
Results
Modern endoscopic techniques have made nasal surgery more efficient and reduced the risks of complications.
Nasal polyp removal can be very successful and reduce your symptoms significantly. However, your polyps may eventually regrow and need further treatment. Long-term medical treatment may reduce this risk.
Many people need to have the procedure repeated 3–8 years after their first surgery, although some nasal polyps grow back in as little as 6 months. Your polyps are more likely to recur if you also have asthma and/or aspirin sensitivity.
Although nasal polyp removal is a common surgery, there are few clinical studies showing exactly how effective it is.
Risks
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks. Your chance of complications depends on the type of procedure you’re having and factors like your general health.
Risks of nasal polyp removal include:
- bleeding
- infection requiring antibiotics
- ongoing symptoms including nasal obstruction and discharge
- adhesions (scar tissue)
- decreased sense of smell or taste
- excessive dryness or crusting of your nose
- swelling or bruising of the area around your eye
- watering eyes
- injury to the eye causing double vision or blindness on one side (extremely rare)
- cerebrospinal fluid leak or brain injury (extremely rare but serious).
Ask your surgeon about the results and risks associated with your procedure. Also ask about their own rates of patient satisfaction and the rate of complications following the procedures they’ve performed.
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.
