Nasal Polyps - Life after Surgery

Surgery to remove nasal polyps is a relatively common and safe procedure that offers little risk for big rewards. For those who have had not had success with medicine, nasal polyp surgery offers an excellent opportunity to reduce or eliminate chronic sinus infection, restore loss of smell and restore the joy that comes from breathing freely.

Types of Surgery Available

There are two types of surgeries available for nasal polyps. Both are fairly common and are done to remove the nasal polyps completely. However, even after complete removal, there is a strong chance that polyps will return. Surgery does not eliminate this risk.

Polypectomy
A Polypectomy is offered to those patients whose polyps are easily reached from the outside of the nose. During surgery, a suction machine called a Microdebrider cuts and removes the diseased tissue. As a result of the machine doing most of the polyp removal, a Polypectomy is usually limited to those with smaller polyps.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is designed for larger, more obstructive polyps where not only is removal necessary, but also, sinus reconstruction. During Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, a surgeon uses a small camera and magnifying glass to guide him through the area.  After a successful surgery, polyps are removed and sinuses are restored to their original condition.

The Process

Surgery for nasal polyps is typically done on an outpatient basis, which means that the patient can go home the same day after surgery is completed. The procedure takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and generally requires little in the way of preparation. Both types of surgeries use anesthesia, although in most cases, Polypectomy patients receive local anesthetic while Endoscopic Sinus Surgery patients are given a general anesthetic. Most often, nasal irrigation or rinsing of the sinus cavity is conducted before and immediately after surgery to clear mucus and other irritants from the area. Both procedures are performed through the inside of the nose, so there is no scarring or incisions visible from the outside.

What to Expect Immediately After Surgery?

Immediately after surgery, patients are groggy and need to rest in recovery. Plan to have someone drive you back home or get someone to hail you a cab. You will not be in any condition to drive yourself until the anesthesia has completely worn off. However, you will most likely fall in and out of sleep for a few hours after returning home, so have a friend or relative close by to help you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.

Many patients report feeling almost normal the following day, except for a bandage and occasional drainage (which is quite normal). In fact, most patients return to work within a week or even sooner. However, everyone is different and it is recommended that you take it easy for at least a couple of days. Pain medication will be prescribed if needed as well as antibiotics to prevent infection. Remember to exercise caution if you are taking pain pills and in this case do not drive.

Prepare ahead of time and plan to have plenty of gauze and adhesive tape available as you will more than likely be changing your bandages quite frequently. It makes good sense to shop for groceries ahead of time so you will not need to worry about meals while you are resting.

As far as sleeping, you will likely have some drainage overnight.  Plan to use old sheets and clothing that you do not mind ruining. Additionally, try (if possible) to sleep with your head elevated as this will help both with drainage and pain.

What to Expect Down the Road?

It is true that removal of nasal polyps does not guarantee that they will never return. However, now that they are gone, there are some real benefits. For one thing, you will feel relief. Some, if not all of the symptoms of sinusitis may disappear or at least improve as blocked sinuses will have a much better chance at clearing. In addition, if polyps restricted your sense of smell, there is a very good chance that you will begin to notice it returning – for better or worse. Expect long-term aftercare to be minimal. Your doctor will most likely schedule a follow up appointment to ensure that you are healing properly and you will more than likely have to conduct regular nasal irrigation. 

Nasal polyp surgery is not for everyone. While there are certain benefits, there are alternatives that should be explored prior to making this decision. For patients that have had surgery, while there is a very strong possibility that polyps will return in the future, alternative treatments may help to eliminate this from happening.

Alternative treatment
SinusWars has two alternative treatments for nasal polyp sufferers. They can be used together or separately depending on the severity and duration of the nasal polyps.

SinusWars13 is a must for all those who have nasal polyps. This natural remedy will help to treat current nasal polyps and prevent new growths from forming.

SinusWars13 creates a super nasal polyp treatment for those who have large, severe and long term polyps.

Natural Treatments

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