Our Summary

A sinus lift is a common procedure done to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw before a dental implant is put in. However, one potential complication of this procedure is chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a condition where the sinuses are inflamed for a long time. In the past, CRS has been treated with functional endoscopic sinus surgery, but results from previous studies suggested that the dental implant had to be removed for the treatment to be successful. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term results of using endoscopic sinus surgery to treat CRS after a sinus lift, including whether the dental implant could be saved. The study looked at nine patients who had the surgery between 2011 and 2016. Most of the patients developed symptoms like nasal discharge, facial pain, nasal congestion, and a bad smell within three months of getting their implant and were given at least three courses of antibiotics before being referred to a specialist. All patients had endoscopic sinus surgery, with no surgical complications or reports of infection afterwards. The study found significant improvement in symptoms and nasal conditions after surgery. Four patients had their dental implant removed before the study started, but among the five patients who still had their implant, none needed to have it removed before or after surgery. This suggests that endoscopic sinus surgery is a good treatment option for patients with CRS after a sinus lift, and it may not be necessary to remove the dental implant for the treatment to work.

FAQs

  1. What is the potential complication of a sinus lift procedure?
  2. Can a dental implant be saved during the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)?
  3. Is endoscopic sinus surgery effective in treating CRS after a sinus lift?

Doctor’s Tip

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

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended nasal polyp removal include those who have chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) that is not responding to other treatments such as antibiotics, nasal sprays, or oral corticosteroids. Patients may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, nasal discharge, and a decreased sense of smell. In some cases, nasal polyps may also cause difficulty breathing or sleeping, frequent sinus infections, or asthma exacerbations. Patients with large or multiple nasal polyps may also be at risk for complications such as sinus infections, nasal blockages, or the development of cysts in the sinuses. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

  • Before nasal polyp removal:
  1. Patient may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, loss of smell, facial pain or pressure, and snoring.
  2. Patient may try over-the-counter medications or nasal sprays to manage symptoms.
  3. Patient may be referred to an ENT specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
  4. ENT specialist may recommend a nasal endoscopy or imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis of nasal polyps.
  5. ENT specialist may prescribe steroids or other medications to reduce inflammation and shrink the polyps.
  • After nasal polyp removal:
  1. Patient undergoes endoscopic sinus surgery to remove the nasal polyps.
  2. Surgery is typically done under general anesthesia and is minimally invasive.
  3. Patient may experience some pain, congestion, or nasal drainage in the days following surgery.
  4. Patient is advised to follow post-operative care instructions, including using saline nasal rinses and avoiding strenuous activities.
  5. Patient may need to follow up with their ENT specialist for post-operative care and monitoring.
  6. Patient may experience improved breathing, sense of smell, and overall quality of life after the polyps are removed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of nasal polyp removal surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after nasal polyp removal surgery?
  3. Will I need to take any medications or follow a specific post-operative care plan?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options for nasal polyps?
  5. How successful is nasal polyp removal surgery in improving symptoms and preventing recurrence?
  6. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  7. What can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort after the surgery?
  8. How long will it take for me to notice an improvement in my symptoms after the surgery?
  9. How often do nasal polyps typically recur after removal surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to prevent nasal polyps from recurring in the future?

Reference

Authors: Jiam NT, Goldberg AN, Murr AH, Pletcher SD. Journal: Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2017 Jul 1;31(4):271-275. doi: 10.2500/ajra.2017.31.4451. PMID: 28716179