Complications specific to this operation

• Bleeding from the nose which might

require repacking of the nose CSF leak
(Leak of fluid that surrounds the brain
dripping from the nose) which may
require further surgery to seal the leak
(Extremely rare).
• Bruising of the eyes (rare)
• Can cause blindness (extremely rare)
Contact details
Nasal
ENT secretaries 01823 342166 / 342168
• Loss of sense of smell and taste
Polypectomy

ENT

S Sadek/Jan16/review Jan18
Introduction
We hope this leaflet will help you to
understand a little more about your
operation and the treatment you will
receive after surgery. If you have any further
questions, please do not hesitate to ask a
member of the nursing or medical staff. They
will be happy to help you. You may also log
on to the official ENT website for further
information: www.entuk.org/
What is nasal polypectomy?
This operation is carried out to remove nasal
polyps from inside the nose to improve nasal
breathing. Nasal polyps are a condition
where abnormal tissue forms in the nose
which swells up causing nasal obstruction.
Bilateral nasal polyps is a benign condition
(not cancerous). The operation involves
removing the polyps to clear the nasal
passage to help breathing.
The surgery is done under general
anaesthesia from inside the nose without
any external incisions. The surgery may be
performed using a head light and direct
vision or using an endoscope.
The surgery takes between half to one hour
and the success rate for improving nasal
breathing is excellent.
The cause of nasal polyps is not fully
understood. Unfortunately, nasal polyps
do recur with time and will need to be
removed again as and when they cause nasal
obstruction.
Preparation for admission to hospital
You will usually be invited to attend a pre-
operative assessment clinic before you come into
hospital. A nurse will see you in this clinic. You
will be asked to complete a health questionnaire.
The assessment will include tests for blood
pressure, pulse, urine and possibly a heart trace
(ECG). We will also record your height and
weight and possibly take an x-ray.
Admission
You will receive a letter to confirm the date
of admission. The letter will also explain all
preparations required before you come into
hospital for your surgery. Please read carefully
and follow the instructions.
On the day of your admission, please ring the
Admissions Department (using the telephone
number printed on your admission letter) to
confirm that there is a bed ready for you, as
occasionally it may be needed for an emergency.
Post-operative care
• A pack may be placed inside the nose to
reduce bleeding for between 12 to 24 hours
after the surgery
• You can expect to go home the day after your
operation
• The nasal packs will be removed before you
are discharged from hospital. Some bleeding
may occur on removal of the packs which
should settle down in 20-30 minutes
• You will be provided with a salty nasal spray
(Sterimar) to use three times a day for two
weeks
• You may get some blood coloured
watery fluid from your nose for the first
two weeks or so. This is normal.
• For pain relief you may buy and use
Paracetamol tablets. Do not take more
than eight tablets in 24 hours
• Avoid exposure to dusty and smoky
environments for two weeks
• Do not go back to work, or take part in
any sporting activities for two weeks
• Blow your nose gently for the first week
to avoid bleeding
• If you sneeze you should open your
mouth to protect your nose
• Your nose will feel blocked like a heavy
cold for two weeks
• You will need someone to drive you
home from hospital
• If you have severe pain, severe
headaches or bleeding contact your GP
What are the risks and complications
Any operation may lead to problems,
including the following general risks:
• Injury to nearby tissues and excessive
bleeding
• Infection
• Allergic reaction to drugs and/or
anaesthesia
• Breathing difficulty
• A blood clot in the leg called a DVT
(deep vein thrombosis), and/or a blood
clot in the lungs called PE (pulmonary
embolus)