Nasal polyps are growths
of abnormal tissue that form in the nose or deeper sinuses. They are
usually benign, but larger polyps can block nasal passages causing
breathing difficulty and sleep apnoea. It's quite amazing just how
much sinus space one has, and how blocked they can become.
If conservative treatment
for nasal polyps is not successful or if polyps are problematical a
consultant may recommend a nasal polypectomy. This is (usually)
performed under general anaesthetic and takes about 30 minutes. The
surgeon will access polyps through the nostrils so there will be no
incision. Polyps will be removed using special suction and
instruments.
After surgery the nose is
packed with dressing to help control any bleeding.
Nasal polypectomy is
usually done as a day case however sometimes an overnight stay is
necessary.
There is a world of
difference between reading these dull dry words and having one's
sinuses surgically ravaged...
