How Long Does It Take To Recover From Nasal Polyp Removal?

Surgical removal of a nasal polyp is considered as last resort when the other treatments are not able to shrink or remove the nasal polyp. As with other surgeries, proper care should be done in endoscopic sinus surgery.

The patient may have good results from the surgical removal of nasal polyps but proper care and follow-up are required to sustain the beneficial effects. Medications are prescribed to prevent the recurrence of polyps. The recovery from endoscopic nasal surgery depends upon the extent of surgery and the other condition including underlying disease. With proper care, the person may start normal activities such as going to school, within 1 week after surgery⁶. Routine activities may be started 3 weeks after surgery. Most people require 1-2 months to get complete recovery. However, a follow-up visit to the doctor is required for at least 4 months after the surgery to get monitor the health of the nasal cavity.

Surgical treatment is required in cases where the medications fail to provide optimum relied and the size of polyps is so larger that it affects the quality of life of the patient. Surgery provides relief through two different actions. First, it removes the polyps from the nasal cavity thereby improving the symptoms of the patients, and second, it also corrects the deformities due to which the risk of recurrence of nasal polyps is significantly reduced³.

Nasal polypectomy is the process used to surgically remove the nasal polyps. The operation is through general anesthesia⁵. The most common method for nasal polypectomy is Functional Endoscopic Sinus surgery. During surgery, the surgeon inserts a narrow tube inside the nasal cavity with a camera fitted on the tip of the tube. Camera assists in confirming the position of nasal polyps. A small instrument is used to remove the nasal polyps. Along with the nasal polyps, the surgeon will also clear the substances that may block the flow of mucus.

Nasal polypectomy is usually an outpatient surgery, however, patients with underlying diseases such as asthma, are admitted in the hospital for monitoring their health post-surgery.

Various diagnostic methods are available for the accurate diagnosis of nasal polyps. The preliminary diagnosis can be made on the basis of physical evaluation of the nasal cavity and asking patients questions about the symptoms such as nasal congestion, and pain. Other diagnostic techniques used in diagnosis include:

Anterior Rhinoscopy¹. Anterior rhinoscopy is the process of examination of the nasal cavity. The nasal evaluation is done for characteristics of mucosal Surface, any ulceration present, the position of the septum and nasal secretion. It also helps in evaluating the presence of any allergens.

Nasal Endoscopy. Nasal endoscopy is used in the condition where the nasal poly is located deep inside the nasal cavity². The doctor inserts a tube with a camera fitted to look deep inside the cavity.

Imaging Studies. Imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography helps the doctor to evaluate the size of nasal poly as well as the associated inflammation present in the nasal cavity. Imaging studies help to exclude other causes of inflammation due to anatomical abnormalities³.

Skin Prick Allergy Test. The doctor may perform an allergic test if he has the apprehension that symptoms might be due to allergy⁴.

Evaluation For Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis affects the secretary glans of the body that secrets mucus, sweat or digestive juices³. The sweat test is the most common non-invasive test done for diagnosing cystic fibrosis. The sweat of patients with cystic fibrosis is saltier as compared to a normal person.

Blood Tests. Development of nasal polyps is also linked with Vitamin D deficiency. Thus, the serum level of vitamin D3 may also be diagnosed with nasal polyps³.

Regular follow-up after the nasal surgery is required for at least 4 months. The patient, however, fully recover within 1-2 months after surgery.

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Also Read:

• What are Nasal Polyps, Know its Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
• Are Nasal Polyps Painful & Is It Painful To Have Polyps Removed?
• Can Nasal Polyps Make You Dizzy & Can They Cause Fatigue?
• How Do You Detect Nasal Polyps & Can Nasal Polyps Bleed?
• How Long Does It Take For A Nasal Polyp To Turn Into Cancer?
• Is Nasal Polyps A Serious Condition & Can It Be Reversed?
• What Is The Prognosis For Nasal Polyps?