Is minimally invasive surgery for nasal polyps painful?

Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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We often talk about the minimally invasive surgery for nasal polyps, which is the most common procedure of endoscopic nasal polyp removal that we use today. This type of surgery does not only remove the nasal polyps, but also the root of the polyps and even opens up the sinuses. This is crucial for eliminating the cause of the nasal polyps and is very important for preventing their recurrence. Although it is a minimally invasive surgery, it can still be quite painful. After the surgery, both nostrils need to be packed. If the packing material is absorbable, such as Nasopore, the discomfort might be less because after the surgery, one just needs to wait for the packing to gradually dissolve into a mucus-like substance and get expelled. However, if expandable sponges or even gauze strips are used, these materials need to be removed after several days. Removing these materials can cause significant pain for the patient. During the period of packing, the patient can also experience a lot of discomforts such as headaches, dry throat, discomfort in the eyes, tearing, and even some might feel foggy in their ears and uncomfortable while eating and drinking, along with other painful symptoms. Additionally, after the minimally invasive surgery for nasal polyps, regular follow-up cleanings are necessary. The purpose of these follow-up cleanings is to timely clear out any blood clots or secretions from the nasal cavity and sinuses, aiding the recovery of the mucous membranes in these areas and also preventing the short-term recurrence of the nasal polyps, which is a very important part of ensuring the effectiveness of the surgery. Thus, these procedures can induce a certain amount of fear and pain for the patients, but before performing these surgeries and examinations, doctors generally engage in thorough discussions and provide comfort to the patients, advising them not to be too nervous. The actual discomfort is temporary and will pass after enduring it for just a few days post-surgery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can you smoke if you have nasal polyps?

Patients with nasal polyps are advised not to smoke. This is because cigarettes are quite irritating and can affect the nasal mucosa and the normal structures inside the nasal cavity, potentially aggravating the condition of nasal polyps, as well as possibly causing nasal congestion or acute upper respiratory infections, all of which could worsen the existing condition. In terms of treatment, it is first necessary to assess the severity of the condition. Some patients may opt for conservative drug treatment, while those with more severe conditions, where conservative drug treatment is ineffective, may need to consider surgical removal. After surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the effects of the operation.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Will nasal polyps grow back after they are removed?

Nasal polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition. In terms of treatment, one can consider medication or surgical intervention. If there are numerous polyps and the clinical symptoms are severe, and standardized medication does not yield good results, then surgical treatment should be considered. However, there is still a possibility of recurrence in some patients after surgical removal. The main surgical procedure currently used is endoscopic nasal polyp removal surgery, which is minimally invasive and generally yields good results for most patients. However, regular follow-ups are necessary because there is a possibility of recurrence, particularly in patients with eosinophilic polyps, who tend to have a higher chance of recurrence.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do if the nasal polyps are inflamed?

Nasal polyps accompanied by infection and inflammation are relatively common. This situation generally pertains to nasal polyps, rhinitis, and sinusitis. If the inflammatory response is particularly severe, it may be considered an acute bacterial infection, and generally, the use of antibiotics should be considered, along with nasal sprays and saline nasal irrigation. Some patients can achieve effective control and relief after standardized medication treatment. If the nasal polyps are widespread and the inflammatory response is severe, surgery might be necessary to remove them. Post-surgery, regular follow-ups are needed because both nasal polyps and inflammation can recur.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can nasal polyps heal by themselves?

There is a possibility of spontaneous healing for nasal polyps, but this possibility is relatively low. For cases with fewer polyps, conservative treatment with medication is generally recommended, commonly involving spray medications, along with saline nasal irrigation. However, it is necessary to regularly re-examine and observe the treatment results. If there are many polyps and the results of conservative treatment are not satisfactory, then surgical removal may be required. Currently, the common practice is to remove nasal polyps via endoscopic surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure with generally good overall results, less damage, and shorter recovery time. However, regular follow-up is required as some patients may experience recurrence after the surgery.

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Written by Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
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Do you need to be hospitalized for nasal polyp surgery?

The current nasal polyp surgery requires a general anesthesia and endoscopic nasal polypectomy. Since the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, more thorough preparations are made for hospitalized patients. The surgery demands high standards, thus preoperative blood tests and related cardiopulmonary function tests are necessary, requiring hospitalization. Additionally, after the surgery, nasal packing is needed to monitor the patient's recovery and to clean the nasal cavities and sinuses. Therefore, hospitalization is needed for this type of treatment, which generally lasts from 5 to 7 days from admission to discharge.