Nasal Polyp Surgery

The nasal mucosa may grow excessively due to various factors. In such cases, extra tissue forms inside the nose called a nasal polyp. Polyps occupy space inside the nasal cavity and make breathing difficult.
The lining layer inside the nose is called the nasal mucosa.
The mucosa may grow more than normal due to various factors. When this happens, extra tissue forms inside the nose, which is called a nasal polyp. A nasal polyp is essentially an overgrowth of the nasal mucosa that usually develops in response to exposure to allergens (allergy‑causing substances). These polyps occupy the internal space of the nose. Because the space inside the nasal cavity becomes smaller, airflow encounters resistance and the person experiences nasal congestion.
These polyps usually fill the space inside the nose and the sinuses. As a result, in addition to nasal blockage, the person may also experience reduced sense of smell, headaches, facial pressure and fullness, and postnasal drip.

If the lining inside the sinuses becomes swollen due to long‑term inflammation, it can turn into excess tissue that extends into the nasal cavity and blocks the airway. This excess tissue is called a polyp. Polyp surgery is performed using a technique called sinus endoscopy. Sinus endoscopy can also be performed at the same time as cosmetic rhinoplasty.

Treatment of Nasal Polyps

If medication fails to control nasal polyps, endoscopic nasal surgery is used. During this procedure, special lenses and surgical instruments are used to shave and remove the polyps from inside the nose.
Endoscopic surgery of the nose and sinuses can also be performed simultaneously with cosmetic rhinoplasty. If the growth of the nasal mucosa is not severe enough to form polyps but the person still experiences nasal congestion, the condition is usually referred to as allergy (allergic rhinitis). In such cases, treatment is typically medical and does not require surgery.

Nasal Polyp Surgery with Laser

At present, the common method for removing nasal polyps is endoscopic surgery. Endoscopes are lenses that allow the surgeon to enter the nasal cavity and remove the polyps with the help of special instruments.
Destroying nasal polyps with laser is still in the research stage. Currently, using laser to remove nasal polyps is not a standard or widely available treatment. However, lasers are used to treat laryngeal polyps. Laser technology is also widely used in the treatment of tumors and cancers of the larynx, and significant advances have been made in this field.