Our Summary

The research paper presents a case of an adult patient who had a piece of glass stuck in his nose for 30 years following a nasal injury. This foreign object caused various health issues like chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, fungal infection, and a deviated nasal septum. The patient came to the hospital with a blocked nose and yellow, bloody discharge. A CT scan revealed the glass piece in the patient’s nose close to the eye socket. Surgeons successfully removed the glass piece using various surgical techniques and the operation went without any complications. The paper highlights the importance of CT scans in detecting foreign objects after nasal injuries to prevent such complications. It also emphasizes careful surgical planning and preparation to avoid moving the foreign object during surgery.

FAQs

  1. What health issues can a foreign object lodged in the nose cause?
  2. How was the foreign object detected in the patient’s nose?
  3. What is the importance of CT scans and surgical planning in cases of nasal injuries?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that after nasal polyp removal, it is important to follow post-operative care instructions closely to prevent complications and promote healing. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, taking prescribed medications as directed, keeping the nasal passages moist with saline sprays, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress. It is also important to avoid picking or blowing the nose forcefully to prevent irritation and potential reoccurrence of nasal polyps.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended nasal polyp removal include individuals who have chronic sinusitis, recurring nasal polyps, difficulty breathing through the nose, nasal congestion, loss of sense of smell, and frequent sinus infections. Additionally, patients with underlying conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or aspirin sensitivity may also be candidates for nasal polyp removal. In cases where a foreign object is detected in the nasal cavity, surgery may be necessary to remove it and prevent further complications.

Timeline

Before nasal polyp removal:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, reduced sense of smell, postnasal drip, and facial pain or pressure.
  2. Patient may undergo a physical examination, nasal endoscopy, and imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI to diagnose nasal polyps.
  3. Treatment options such as nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, nasal saline irrigation, and oral corticosteroids may be tried to manage symptoms.

After nasal polyp removal:

  1. Patient undergoes nasal polyp removal surgery, which may be done endoscopically or through traditional open surgery.
  2. Recovery period typically lasts around 1-2 weeks, during which the patient may experience nasal congestion, mild pain, and bloody discharge from the nose.
  3. Patient may be prescribed antibiotics or corticosteroid nasal sprays to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns or complications.
  5. Patient should avoid activities that may increase nasal pressure, such as blowing the nose forcefully or heavy lifting, to promote proper healing.
  6. Patient may experience improved nasal breathing, sense of smell, and overall quality of life after successful nasal polyp removal.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with nasal polyp removal surgery?
  2. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  3. How long will the recovery process take after the surgery?
  4. Will I need to stay in the hospital overnight after the surgery?
  5. What type of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
  6. Will there be any restrictions on activities or behaviors following the surgery?
  7. How soon can I expect relief from symptoms such as nasal congestion and difficulty breathing?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  9. What is the success rate of nasal polyp removal surgery?
  10. How long can I expect the results of the surgery to last before the polyps may potentially return?

Reference

Authors: Wang D, Liu Q, Liu H, Wei JS. Journal: World J Clin Cases. 2024 Jul 16;12(20):4331-4336. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i20.4331. PMID: 39015890