surgical treatment of nasal polyps
Last reviewed 01/2018
The surgical treatment of nasal polyps involves:
- polypectomy - usually performed through the nostrils, under either a local or general anaesthetic. The polyps are removed as close as possible to their base in the ethmoid air cells. This type of procedure is increasingly being carried out endoscopically. A cutting snare is used for removal.
- ethmoidectomy - clearing of the ethmoid air cells from which most polyps arise. It is thought to reduce recurrence but hard evidence is lacking. Again, this may be carried out endoscopically but care must be taken to avoid inadvertent entry of the anterior cranial fossa or orbit.