Nasal Polypectomy

If nasal polyps are blocking the flow of mucus from your sinus cavities, a nasal polypectomy can open up those passageways and help you breathe easier.

Nasal polyps are common noncancerous growths that line the nose or sinuses and look like teardrops. They may develop due to repeated inflammation of the area, such as in patients with asthma, allergies, or chronic sinusitis. They are more common in adults than children.

Nasal polyps do not cause any pain, so most people with these growths are unaware they have them.

However, these growths can obstruct mucus drainage from the sinus cavities, causing nasal congestion, a runny nose, or postnasal drip. Breathing through the nose may be difficult, smell may be impaired, and snoring may be common.

A nasal endoscopy can identify the presence of nasal polyps, as can imaging procedures like a CT scan of the sinuses.

Treatment of Nasal Polyps

Treatments include medications, including corticosteroids to shrink the polyps.

A nasal polypectomy is the minimally invasive surgery of choice for polyps causing problems in a patient's nose and sinus area.

It is done through the nostrils, via an endoscope (thin, flexible tube with a light source and camera at the end). Your ENT surgeon will insert tiny instruments through the endoscope and use them to remove the polyps as well as any other obstructions in the area.

Often, patients have complex nasal conditions that require multiple procedures performed at the same time. For example, a nasal polypectomy may be performed in conjunction with a septoplasty to remedy a deviated septum.

In some people, nasal polyps may regrow.

If you suspect you or a family member may have nasal polyps, find out what the ear, nose, and throat surgeons at ENT & Allergy Center of Austin can do for you. Call (512) 328-7722 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We serve patients from central Texas locations in Westlake, Cedar Park, or Round Rock.