Nasal Polypectomy Surgery in Bangalore

Understanding the Nasal Anatomy

Here’s an overview of the key components of the human nasal anatomy and its connected structures, that play a crucial role in smell, breathing, and the processing of sound:

• External Nose: The external portion of the nose gets its shape from bone and cartilage, while the internal cavity gets divided into two nostrils by the nasal septum.
• Nasal septum: It’s made up of bone and cartilage. It divides the nasal cavity into the left and right sides.
• Nasal cavities: Nasal cavities are spaces connected to the nostrils and lined with mucous membranes. Their function is to make the air warm and moist and filter it as it passes to the lungs.  
• Sinuses: They are air-filled cavities in the bones around your nose and eyes. They humidify the air we breathe, reduce the skull weight, and enhance our voices. 
• Turbinates (nasal conchae): Turbinates are long and narrow shelves of bone, protruding into the nasal cavity. They also help warm and moisturize the air that flows through your nose.
• Olfactory region: This area is located at the top of the nasal cavity and consists of specialized receptors that detect smells.
• Nasopharynx: It is the upper portion of the throat and connects the nasal cavity to the mouth as well as the larynx.
• Eustachian tubes: They connect the middle ear to the nasopharynx. They also work to equalize pressure in the middle ear.
• Nasolacrimal ducts: These ducts work to drain tears from your eyes into the nasal cavity.

This is quite a complex and intricate structure that allows the proper functioning of the nasal passages and sinuses. The presence of nasal polyps can disrupt your overall well-being.

How Does A Nasal Polypectomy Surgery Work?

Here’s how the nose polyp removal surgery works:

Before Surgery

Here’s what to expect before a nasal polypectomy.

• Consultation: You will have an initial consultation with an ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat surgeon) where he/she will discuss your medical history and physically examine your nose and sinuses.
• Imaging studies: CT scans and MRIs of your sinuses can be done to get a detailed view of the sinuses, the location and extent of polyps, and identify any other sinus abnormalities.
• Medications: Your surgeon may recommend medications to optimize your nasal and sinus health before surgery. These may include nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, antibiotics if there's evidence of infection, or oral corticosteroids to shrink the polyps.
• Current Medications: The doctor will review any current medications or supplements. Some medications such as blood thinners will have to be discontinued for a brief period to lower the risk of bleeding.
• Diet and lifestyle changes: Patients will receive instructions on diet to be followed before the procedure. The surgeon will recommend quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption to lower the risk of complications.
• Arrange help: Make sure that you arrange for someone to drop you back home after the procedure. Also, make sure there is someone who can assist you at home during your recovery.

Following the pre-operative instructions is crucial to ensure a successful procedure. You can clear any related queries during your pre-operative visits.

During Surgery

Nasal polypectomy surgery may vary with the chosen technique and patient needs, however, it is typically as follows:

• Anesthesia: Usually the patient is administered general anesthesia. Local anesthesia with sedation might be used for less invasive procedures.
• Accessing the nasal passages: The nasal passages are accessed through the nostrils, so there’s no need for external incisions. An endoscope is used in this minimally invasive approach, which is a thin flexible tube with light and camera.
• Visualization: The surgeon uses the endoscope to clearly view the inside of the sinuses and nasal passages on a monitor. This helps in the precise removal of the polyps and other necessary corrections.
• Removal of polyps: The surgeon uses specialized instruments such as forceps, microdebriders, or suction devices to remove the nasal polyps. The polyps may be cut away from the nasal mucosa or gently detached from the underlying tissue.
• Addressing other issues and ensuring drainage: Any other existing conditions such as deviated septum or enlarged turbinates may also be managed simultaneously. The openings of the sinuses may be enlarged to improve drainage and reduce the chances of sinus infections in the future.
• Closure: Nasal polypectomy usually does not require any closure as there are no incisions involved. Nasal packs may be used to control bleeding and promote healing.

After the procedure, the patient is taken to the recovery room for further monitoring. The patient is usually allowed to go back home the same day, however, in some cases, s/he might be instructed to stay back for further monitoring.