Our Summary

This study looked into choanal polyps, which are non-cancerous growths that start in the lining of the nose and extend into the airway at the back of the nose. While these growths usually start in a part of the nose called the maxillary sinus, it’s less common for them to start in other areas.

The researchers reviewed the medical records of 14 patients aged between 16 and 75 who had these polyps. They looked at where the polyps started, the symptoms the patients had, what the polyps looked like on scans, and the results of tissue sample tests. They also noted any challenges they faced when diagnosing the polyps, and how they treated them.

The main symptoms were blockage in one nostril, snoring, runny nose, and nosebleeds. The polyps were located in different parts of the nose, and were all removed surgically. When the removed tissue was examined under a microscope, most of the polyps were found to be caused by inflammation, but one was caused by a bacterial infection and another by a fungal infection.

The researchers followed up with the patients for between 6 and 22 months after their surgery, and they didn’t observe any complications or the polyps growing back.

They concluded that doctors should use a procedure called a nasal endoscopy (a test that uses a thin tube with a light and camera on the end to examine the inside of the nose) for all patients who have a blocked nose, to check for these polyps. They also emphasized the importance of completely removing the polyp and treating it based on the cause (such as inflammation or infection) to prevent it from coming back.

FAQs

  1. What are the symptoms of choanal polyps?
  2. What is the recommended procedure for diagnosing choanal polyps arising from unusual sites?
  3. What was the outcome of the surgical removal of choanal polyps in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about nasal polyp removal is to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, keeping the nasal passages clean and moisturized, and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended nasal polyp removal are those who present with symptoms such as unilateral nasal obstruction, snoring, rhinorrhea, and epistaxis. In this study, patients with choanal polyps arising from unusual sites such as the posterior aspect of the middle meatus, middle turbinate, posterior septum, sphenoid sinus ostium, and inferior meatus were included. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy should be performed in all patients presenting with nasal obstruction to rule out choanal polyps, and surgical management is recommended to prevent recurrence.

Timeline

  • Before nasal polyp removal:
  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as unilateral nasal obstruction, snoring, rhinorrhea, and epistaxis.
  2. Anterior rhinoscopy may show no abnormalities, but a mass may be seen during posterior rhinoscopy in the nasopharynx.
  3. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy is performed to identify the origin of the polyps.
  4. Polyps are found to arise from various unusual sites such as the posterior aspect of the middle meatus, middle turbinate, posterior septum, sphenoid sinus ostium, and inferior meatus.
  5. Surgical removal is recommended based on the findings.
  6. Histopathological examination is conducted to determine the nature of the polyps.
  • After nasal polyp removal:
  1. Patients are followed up for 6 to 22 months post-surgery.
  2. No complications or recurrence are observed in the patients.
  3. Complete polyp removal and appropriate treatment based on histopathology helps prevent recurrence.
  4. Patients experience relief from symptoms such as nasal obstruction and other associated symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and benefits of nasal polyp removal surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after nasal polyp removal surgery?
  3. Will I need any follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  4. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to prevent the recurrence of nasal polyps?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  6. What is the success rate of nasal polyp removal surgery?
  7. Will there be any scarring or visible changes to my nose after the surgery?
  8. How can I manage any pain or discomfort after the surgery?
  9. Are there any potential complications I should be aware of before the surgery?
  10. How long do nasal polyps typically take to regrow after removal?

Reference

Authors: Joseph L, Prasad KC, Babu P, Harshitha N. Journal: Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 May 12;26(4):e683-e687. doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1742768. eCollection 2022 Oct. PMID: 36405473