Table of contents:
- What is nose polyp surgery?
- When do I need to have nose polyp surgery?
- What needs to be prepared before the operation begins?
- How does this operation process take place?
- After surgery for nasal polyps
- What are the side effects of nose polyp surgery?
Nasal polyps are benign growths of tissue that appear on the lining of the nasal passages or sinus cavities. Its appearance in the nasal passages often blocks air from getting in and out, so that breathing has the potential to be disturbed. For this reason, nasal polyps can be treated with various treatment methods, and one of them is surgery.
What is nose polyp surgery?
Nasal polyp surgery or nasal polypectomy is a procedure that aims to remove polyps from the lining of the nasal passages. This procedure is done through the nostrils, so there is no need for any part of the nose or face to be surgically removed to remove the polyp.
As previously mentioned, nasal polyps are themselves a disorder of the nose, where there is a growth of tissue in the nasal passages. The tissue usually resembles the shape of a small grape.
The cause of the appearance of polyps inside the nose is inflammation or irritation, which triggers swelling of the mucous membranes of the nasal passages. Some of the health conditions that trigger this inflammation are allergies, rhinitis, sensitivity to certain drugs, and respiratory diseases such as asthma.
The symptoms of nasal polyps usually include:
- runny nose
- persistent congestion
- nasal mucus draining down the throat
- decreased ability to smell
- pain in the face or head
- pain in the upper teeth
- snoring during sleep
- frequent nosebleeds
By removing the polyp from the nose, the above symptoms can be resolved and breathing becomes smoother.
When do I need to have nose polyp surgery?
It is important for you to know that surgical procedures are usually not the first step doctors recommend in treating nasal polyps.
Treatment usually begins with drugs prescribed by a doctor, such as nasal corticosteroid drugs. If the polyps don't shrink after being treated with prescription drugs, that's when you need a nasal polyp surgery.
The size of the polyp also determines whether or not surgery is necessary. Usually, polyps that are large in size are required to be surgically removed immediately.
What needs to be prepared before the operation begins?
Here are some things that you must pay attention to in preparation for nasal polyp removal surgery:
- Consult your doctor thoroughly about what are the benefits and risks of the operation that you will undergo.
- If you smoke, you will be asked to stop smoking at least 24 hours before the operation.
- You also need to make sure someone else drops you off and picks you up on the day of the surgery. It is likely that you will have difficulty transporting your vehicle or driving during your postoperative recovery.
How does this operation process take place?
Before starting nose polyp surgery, you will be given anesthesia or general anesthesia. So, you will fall asleep and feel nothing during the operation process. How long a nasal polyp surgery lasts may vary, but generally this procedure only takes about 30 minutes.
The operation is performed by inserting an endoscope through the nostrils. An endoscope is a small tube with a built-in camera so that your doctor can clearly see the inside of your nose and sinus cavities.
After that, the doctor uses a small instrument or instrument into the nose to remove polyps and other tissues that are obstructing the nasal passages. This procedure does not create any cuts or incisions on your nose and face.
To prevent bleeding, the doctor will put on it nasal pack inside the nasal passages after the polyp is removed. Nasal pack this you can take off the next day. During wearing nasal pack, You may have to breathe through your mouth for a while.
After surgery for nasal polyps
Polyps removal surgery does not require hospitalization. After the surgery ends, you will be allowed to go home the same day and can eat or drink as usual 1-2 hours later.
Before going home, the doctor must make sure there is no bleeding from your nose. You also need to schedule visits to the doctor to monitor the condition of your nose.
Your doctor may give you a corticosteroid nasal spray to prevent the polyp from coming back. You are also advised to use water spray saline to restore postoperative wounds.
You need to rest for a few weeks after surgery. During the recovery time, your nose may feel blocked or blocked. The symptoms will disappear in 2-3 weeks.
Avoid extremely humid, wet, or cold environments during the recovery period. You should also stay away from dusty areas or places full of smoke. Make sure you are also trying to blow your nose too hard for the next 1 week.
Remember, nasal polyps surgery only helps remove polyps from the nose, not cure the medical condition that caused them to appear. Therefore, it is possible that polyps can reappear at any time, especially if the cause of the inflammation is not treated properly.
According to the Dorset County Hospital website, the chances of polyps coming back are a few months after surgery if the inflammation is severe enough, or 10-20 years later if the condition is mild.
What are the side effects of nose polyp surgery?
Surgical removal of polyps from the nose is a relatively safe procedure. You may temporarily lose your sense of smell and taste. However, it is possible for some people to experience serious side effects and complications after surgery.
In some cases, nosebleeds or bleeding from the nose can occur. Bleeding can appear several hours or 10 days after surgery. If the bleeding is severe and doesn't stop, you must return to the doctor to receive certain medical measures.
Nasal infections due to surgery are very rare. However, if it does occur, it can have serious consequences and worsen the condition of your nose. If you experience symptoms of nasal pain and a severe sensation of congestion, consult a doctor immediately.
