Outlined are some reasons to consider nasal polyp surgery. Described are the different sorts of surgery available, the risks involved and some other alternatives to surgery.

Reasons
Usually polyps surgery is only an option in cases where non-surgical methods have failed. There are numerous extremely effective methods of reducing nasal polyps like alternative therapies, dietary alterations nasal sprays and other steroidal treatments. As such, surgery is normally only used in the eventually that all other available methodologies have failed.

Options
Nasal polyps surgery is performed using an endoscopic device which enables the surgeon to see the sinus tissues via an external screen. This enhanced vision enables the surgeon to have greater control over the removal of damaged tissue. There are two different varieties of endoscopic surgery, image guided endoscopic surgery and the Caldwell-Luc technique.. The image guided endoscopic method uses a CT scan combining information received in real-time.

The Caldwell-Luc method works by linking the maxillary sinus located underneath the eye socket to the nasal passages. This technique has the effect of improving sinus drainage.

Procedure
Generally nasal polyps removal is performed under general or local anaesthetics and the surgery is typically day surgery, allowing the patient to return home after the procedure has been carried out.

Risks
In most instances nasal polyp surgery is considered to be safe, however no surgery can be guaranteed to be 100% without risk and as such, some side effects will occur from time to time. Some side effects include bleeding with blood transfusions being required on occasion. There is also a small risk of the patient developing meningitis as a direct result of cerebral ( brain ) fluid leakage. Other side effects include impaired smell and vision changes.

Alternatives
Surgery for nasal polyps should only be considered in the eventuality that all other modalities have failed. While some individuals report success with standard medications such as antibiotics, steroid sprays and other nasal sprays, there are other modalities to consider also. Usually any polyp growth is a direct result of chronic inflammation in the sinus cavity; to counteract this, one should consider their immediate environment. Try and limit how much time pets spend indoors as well as making sure that environment irritants such as dust and pollen are kept to an absolute minimum. In the case of dust mites, using dust covers for bed linen can be very effective in preventing dust mite irritation.

Also, the use of devices such as humidifiers has been shown to be extremely effective in improving indoor air quality thus reducing chronic sinus inflammation.