Nasal polyps

• Nasal polyps are grape like growths of the skin

mucosa that project into the cavities of the nose
and paranasal sinuses
• Causes - exact cause is unknown

• Risk factors – person with chronic viral or

bacterial infections have a higher incidence of nasal
polyps.
• Allergies, asthma, chronic rhinitis, and chronic
sinusitis
 Types
• Antrochoanal polyps – single, unilateral and usually
found in children, originate from maxillary sinus

• Ethmoidal polyps – multiple, bilateral and usually

found in adults, originating form ethmoidal air cells
Clinical features
• Bluish, glossy projections in the nares – can
exceed the size of grape
• Nasal congestion, nasal discharges (usually clear
mucus), speech distortion
• Reduced ability to smell (hyposmia)
• Loss of smell (anosmia)
Management
Medical management –
• Corticosteroid sprays or local injection of a
steroid into the polyp
• Steroid used to reduce the size, prevention of
recurrence and reduction of inflammation thus
reducing swelling
• Antibiotics (amoxicillin or erythromycin) if
infection present.
Surgical management

• Polypectomy – removal of polyps after nose is

anesthetized, NASAL SNARE is slipped around
polyp, which is transected and removed with forceps.

• Removal of polyp via CALDWELL- LUC

OPERATION