Our Summary

This research paper is about a rare medical case involving a 16-year-old girl who had a submucous cleft palate (SMCP) and a nasal septal polyp. A SMCP is a type of birth defect that affects the roof of the mouth, making it difficult to speak properly. The nasal septal polyp is a growth that develops in the nasal cavity and can cause breathing problems. In this case, the polyp was actually helping the girl speak more clearly because it was supporting the weak part of her palate.

The researchers were concerned that if they removed the polyp, it might make her speech problems worse. However, they decided to remove the polyp through a procedure called trans-nasal endoscopic surgery and at the same time, they performed another procedure to treat the SMCP. This involved creating a flap of tissue in the throat to help with speech.

Following the surgery, they found that the girl’s speech had not gotten worse, and she reported an improvement in her ability to breathe through her nose. The researchers concluded that in such cases, removing the polyp and treating the SMCP in a single surgery is effective and does not negatively affect the patient’s speech.

FAQs

  1. What is a submucous cleft palate and how does it affect speech?
  2. How did the nasal septal polyp help the girl’s speech in this case?
  3. What procedures were performed to remove the nasal polyp and treat the submucous cleft palate and how did they affect the patient’s speech and breathing?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient about nasal polyp removal:

  • After the surgery, it is important to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your doctor to help with a smooth recovery. This may include using nasal saline sprays, avoiding blowing your nose forcefully, and taking prescribed medications as directed.

  • It is common to experience some nasal congestion, mild discomfort, and occasional bleeding in the days following the procedure. However, if you experience severe pain, persistent bleeding, or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

  • It is important to attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor to ensure proper healing and monitor for any signs of complications. Be sure to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor during these visits.

  • It may take some time for your nasal passages to fully heal and for any congestion or breathing difficulties to improve. Be patient and give your body time to recover.

  • It is also important to avoid any activities that may irritate or disrupt the healing process, such as smoking, strenuous exercise, or exposure to allergens or irritants. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for a healthy recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended nasal polyp removal are those who experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, reduced sense of smell, and frequent sinus infections. Nasal polyps can also cause headaches, facial pain, and snoring. In some cases, like the one described above, nasal polyps may be affecting a patient’s ability to speak properly or causing other complications that require surgical intervention. Ultimately, the decision to recommend nasal polyp removal will depend on the individual patient’s symptoms, medical history, and the severity of the polyps.

Timeline

Before nasal polyp removal:

  • Patient may have difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Patient may experience nasal congestion, runny nose, and post-nasal drip
  • Patient may have decreased sense of smell and taste
  • Patient may have recurrent sinus infections and headaches
  • Patient may have speech difficulties due to nasal obstruction

After nasal polyp removal:

  • Patient may experience improved breathing through the nose
  • Patient may have reduced nasal congestion, runny nose, and post-nasal drip
  • Patient may have improved sense of smell and taste
  • Patient may have reduced frequency of sinus infections and headaches
  • Patient may have improved speech clarity and articulation

Overall, the patient may experience a significant improvement in nasal and speech-related symptoms following nasal polyp removal.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with nasal polyp removal surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after nasal polyp removal surgery?
  3. Will removing the nasal polyp affect my ability to breathe through my nose?
  4. Will removing the nasal polyp have any impact on my speech, especially if I have a pre-existing condition like a submucous cleft palate?
  5. What alternative treatment options are available for nasal polyps?
  6. How likely is it that the nasal polyp will grow back after removal?
  7. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments after the nasal polyp removal surgery?
  8. How long will the benefits of nasal polyp removal last?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to prevent nasal polyps from recurring?
  10. Can you provide me with more information about the specific surgical procedure that will be used to remove my nasal polyp?

Reference

Authors: Abdel-Aziz M, Abdel-Fattah G, Abdel-Aziz NM. Journal: Cureus. 2021 May 1;13(5):e14787. doi: 10.7759/cureus.14787. PMID: 34094749