Our Summary

This research paper is about chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a long-lasting inflammatory disease affecting the sinuses, and sometimes the nasal passages. It’s usually divided into two types - one with nasal polyps (small growths in the nose) and one without. While most cases of CRS are managed with medication, up to 60% of patients do not find relief from these treatments. As a result, some may have to undergo surgery. This might involve anything from removing polyps to more complex procedures that open up the sinuses to help them drain more easily. The paper explores various surgical techniques used to treat CRS, looking at when they are useful, how they are performed, and their results.

FAQs

  1. What is chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and what are the two types?
  2. What percentage of patients do not find relief from medication for CRS?
  3. What types of surgical techniques are explored in the research paper for treating CRS?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about nasal polyp removal is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include using saline nasal sprays or rinses, avoiding activities that could irritate the nasal passages, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and prevent complications. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps are typically recommended for nasal polyp removal if they have not responded well to medication or other non-surgical treatments. These patients may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, decreased sense of smell, facial pain or pressure, and recurrent sinus infections. Nasal polyp removal may also be recommended for patients with severe or recurrent polyps that are causing significant symptoms or complications such as obstructive sleep apnea or frequent sinus infections.

In general, patients who are considered for nasal polyp removal should have a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to determine the severity of their condition and the potential benefits of surgery. The decision to recommend nasal polyp removal will depend on factors such as the patient’s overall health, the extent of their symptoms, and the likelihood of achieving symptom relief with surgery.

It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of nasal polyp removal with their healthcare provider before making a decision about surgery. While nasal polyp removal can be an effective treatment for some patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, it is not appropriate for all patients and may not always provide long-term relief of symptoms. Patients should work closely with their healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.

Timeline

Before nasal polyp removal:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis such as nasal congestion, facial pain, postnasal drip, and decreased sense of smell.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as nasal endoscopy, CT scans, and allergy testing to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition.
  3. Patient tries various medications including nasal steroids, antibiotics, and antihistamines to manage symptoms, but does not find relief.
  4. Patient and their healthcare provider discuss the option of surgery as a last resort to improve symptoms and quality of life.

After nasal polyp removal:

  1. Patient undergoes nasal polyp removal surgery, which may involve endoscopic sinus surgery, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, or balloon sinuplasty, depending on the severity of the condition.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort and swelling in the nose and sinuses immediately after surgery, but this usually resolves within a few days.
  3. Patient follows post-operative care instructions provided by their healthcare provider, including nasal irrigation, avoiding certain activities, and taking prescribed medications to prevent infection and promote healing.
  4. Patient gradually notices a reduction in symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, and postnasal drip, and an improvement in sense of smell over the following weeks and months.
  5. Patient follows up with their healthcare provider for regular check-ups to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about nasal polyp removal include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with nasal polyp removal surgery?
  2. What type of surgical technique do you recommend for my specific case of nasal polyps?
  3. What is the success rate of the recommended surgical procedure for nasal polyp removal?
  4. How long is the recovery period after nasal polyp removal surgery?
  5. Will I need to take any additional medications or undergo any follow-up treatments after the surgery?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after nasal polyp removal surgery to prevent recurrence?
  7. How long will it take for me to notice an improvement in my symptoms after nasal polyp removal surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before undergoing surgery for nasal polyp removal?
  9. Can you provide me with information about the experience and expertise of the surgical team who will be performing the procedure?
  10. Are there any specific pre-operative instructions or tests that I need to follow before undergoing nasal polyp removal surgery?

Reference

Authors: Almosnino G, Little RE. Journal: Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2023 Sep;131(3):311-316. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.05.015. Epub 2023 May 21. PMID: 37220810