Polypectomy Surgery

What are nasal polyps? How is the treatment performed?

Polypectomy Surgery: Definitive Treatment for Nasal Polyps

Polypectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that offers a solution for patients suffering from nasal polyps. When drug treatments fail to adequately control the symptoms, surgery represents a safe and highly effective alternative to restore nasal function and significantly improve quality of life.

What Nasal Polyps Are

Nasal polyps are benign formations that develop on the inflamed mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses. These structures, which resemble small drops or grapes, arise as a result of chronic inflammation of the epithelium that lines the nasal sinuses. Although they are benign tumors, they can grow significantly and cause obstruction of the airways, compromising the patient’s breathing and well-being.

Nasal polyposis is frequently associated with conditions such as allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, asthma and aspirin intolerance. The most common symptoms include persistent nasal congestion, decreased or lost sense of smell and taste, a feeling of pressure in the face, frequent nasal secretions and difficulty breathing through the nose.

Indications for Surgery

Polypectomy is indicated when clinical treatment with topical or systemic corticosteroids fails to provide adequate relief of the symptoms. The main situations that justify the surgical procedure include:

• Severe nasal obstruction that significantly compromises breathing
• Substantial loss of smell and taste
• Recurrent respiratory infections
• Polyps that do not respond to drug treatment
• Association with severe asthma or refractory chronic sinusitis
• Impairment of the patient’s quality of life

An accurate diagnosis is made through a detailed clinical examination, nasal endoscopy and imaging tests such as a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses, allowing a complete assessment of the extent of the polyps and proper surgical planning.

How the Surgery Works

Polypectomy is performed using an endoscopic technique, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a nasal endoscope for direct visualization of the internal structures. The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 60 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

During the surgery, the surgeon uses a microdebrider, a high-precision instrument with a rotating tip capable of simultaneously cutting and aspirating the polyp tissue. This technology allows precise removal of the polyps with minimal bleeding and greater control over the structures to be removed.

The procedure requires no external incisions, being performed entirely through the nostrils, which eliminates visible scars. In addition to the removal of the polyps, complementary procedures are frequently performed to restore the normal anatomy of the nose, such as correction of the septum, of the turbinates and opening of the paranasal sinuses.

Advantages and Benefits

Polypectomy offers multiple advantages that directly impact patients’ quality of life:

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• Significant Breathing Improvement: The removal of the polyps restores normal nasal airflow, providing immediate relief from the obstruction. Studies demonstrate an important improvement in quality of life, with scores on specialized questionnaires improving significantly after the procedure.
• Recovery of Smell: Many patients experience substantial or complete recovery of their sense of smell, which is frequently compromised by the presence of the polyps. Improved olfactory function contributes significantly to well-being and enjoyment of everyday activities.
• Reduction of Infections: The surgery considerably reduces sinusitis flare-ups and recurrent respiratory infections, reducing the need for antibiotics and systemic corticosteroids.
• Improved Sleep Quality: With the clearing of the airways, patients frequently report a significant improvement in sleep quality and a reduction in snoring.
• Safe and Minimally Invasive Procedure: The modern endoscopic technique offers greater precision, less surgical trauma and faster recovery. The risk of complications is low, and most patients can return home the same day.

Recovery and Postoperative Care

Recovery from polypectomy is relatively quick and uneventful. In the first few days after surgery, it is normal to feel some swelling and tenderness in the nose, as well as temporary congestion due to the healing process.

Essential care includes keeping the head elevated while resting, performing nasal rinses as directed by the physician and avoiding physical exertion that could cause bleeding. Most patients return to normal activities within 5 to 7 days, the period during which the first follow-up appointment is held to remove dressings and assess healing.

Regular medical follow-up is essential to monitor recovery and prevent recurrence. The continued use of topical medications and nasal rinses helps maintain the results achieved with the surgery.

Polypectomy represents a highly effective solution for patients with nasal polyps that are refractory to clinical treatment. With modern, minimally invasive techniques, it offers excellent functional results and a substantial improvement in quality of life, restoring patients’ ability to breathe properly and fully enjoy everyday activities