Nasal polypectomy

Nasal polyps are another common condition seen in the nose. There exact cause is not known but they represent the end point of an inflammatory process, which affects the whole of the nose and sinuses. A polyp is a protrusion of the lining of the sinuses into the nose, treatment therefore requires the underlying inflammatory condition be identified and treated as well as possible mechanical removal of a polyp if it is causing obstruction either to the nose or to the sinuses. Surgery therefore is not an alternative to medical management but only one part of the treatment. Sometimes small polyps can be removed easily in out patients under local anaesthetic, however often they require removal under general anaesthetic. There are various ways of removing these, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages and the preference of each individual surgeon has some part to play. As with all nasal operations I try and avoid any form of packing although this is occasionally necessary. Post operative nasal douching is often very comforting and one must never forget the long-term medical management of the inflammatory process underlying the condition.