Nasal polyps are removed through your nostrils.
Endoscopic polyp removal
Your surgeon inserts a keyhole camera, known as a nasal endoscope, to see the inside of your nose. After assessing the polyps, they use an instrument called a microdebrider to remove them.
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)
This is a more extensive surgery to remove your polyps and open up your sinuses. Using a method similar to simple polyp removal, endoscopic sinus surgery uses an endoscope and microdebrider. Learn more about functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
Nasal polyp removal may be performed at the same time as nasal turbinate surgery or nasal septal surgery.
Which surgery is best for me?
Whether you need a simple polyp removal or more extensive sinus surgery depends on the extent of your polyps and any other problems affecting your sinuses. Most doctors believe having endoscopic sinus surgery, as well as polyp removal, can improve your long-term outcome.
Print this page and take it with you when you discuss your procedure with your surgeon.