Our Summary

This research paper is about inflammatory polyps in cats and dogs, which are common non-cancerous growths that appear in the ear and nose areas. The paper discusses how minimally invasive techniques, like careful removal and scraping of the ear cavity, have been successful in long-term treatment. It also discusses nasal hamartomas, another type of benign growth in the nose area of cats that usually have a good outcome after being surgically removed. Inflammatory polyps are rarer in dogs, but when they do occur, it’s important to accurately diagnose them before planning a surgical treatment.

FAQs

  1. What are inflammatory polyps in cats and dogs and where do they commonly appear?
  2. How are minimally invasive techniques for polyp removal used in long-term treatment for cats and dogs?
  3. What are nasal hamartomas and what is the typical outcome after these are surgically removed from cats?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about nasal polyp removal is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include keeping the nasal cavity clean and avoiding activities that could irritate the area, such as blowing the nose too forcefully. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and to address any potential complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended nasal polyp removal include those who have nasal polyps that are causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, chronic sinus infections, loss of smell, facial pain, or headaches. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may not respond well to medical treatment alone. In some cases, nasal polyps can also lead to complications such as obstructive sleep apnea or chronic sinusitis.

Patients who have tried other treatments for nasal polyps, such as nasal steroid sprays, oral steroids, or antibiotics, without success may also be recommended for nasal polyp removal. Additionally, patients who have recurrent nasal polyps or who have polyps that are large or causing significant obstruction may benefit from surgical removal.

It’s important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist to determine the best course of treatment for their nasal polyps. The specialist will consider the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and the size and location of the polyps when making a recommendation for surgery. In some cases, nasal polyp removal may be done in conjunction with other sinus surgeries to improve the overall function of the sinuses and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Timeline

Before nasal polyp removal:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, reduced sense of smell, facial pain or pressure, runny nose, and frequent sinus infections.
  • Patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as nasal endoscopy, CT scans, and allergy testing to confirm the presence of nasal polyps.
  • Treatment options may include medications such as nasal corticosteroids, antibiotics, and nasal decongestants to manage symptoms.

After nasal polyp removal:

  • Patient may experience immediate relief of symptoms such as improved breathing, reduced facial pain, and improved sense of smell.
  • Patient may need to undergo a period of recovery, which may involve nasal packing, pain management, and follow-up appointments with the surgeon.
  • Patient may be prescribed medications to prevent recurrence of nasal polyps, such as nasal corticosteroids or allergy medications.
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing nasal polyps again, such as avoiding allergens or irritants that may trigger inflammation in the nasal passages.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with nasal polyp removal surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of nasal polyp removal surgery in terms of alleviating symptoms and preventing recurrence?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  4. How long is the recovery period after nasal polyp removal surgery and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  5. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  6. Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes I should make to help prevent the recurrence of nasal polyps?
  7. How soon after surgery can I expect to see an improvement in my symptoms?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or medications that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  9. How experienced is the surgeon in performing nasal polyp removal surgeries and what is their success rate?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications that I should be aware of after having nasal polyps removed?

Reference

Authors: Greci V, Mortellaro CM. Journal: Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2016 Jul;46(4):643-61. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2016.01.004. Epub 2016 Mar 4. PMID: 26947114