Like any surgery , functional endoscopic polyps surgery carries some degree of risk. The procedure is performed by first inserting a microscopic camera into the sinus cavity to enable the surgeon to view the nasal polyps growth in better detail. Via this enhanced positioning , the surgeon utilises surgical instruments to repair any nasal polyp growths within the sinus cavity.

Bleeding and Nasal Discharge
Unfortunately bleeding is a relatively common side effect of functional endoscopic polyp surgery. Because the ENT surgeon operates on the nasal cavities ( which contain numerous blood vessels ) , its a strong possibility that some bloody nasal discharge will occur. Despite the surgeons best efforts , it’s an unfortunate fact that although the amount of bleeding is limited , patients may awaken to find their nose bleeding. Should this occur, the bleeding will generally subside after the first week of surgery.

Scarring
With certain patients scar tissue may develop as a result of a nasal polyp operation. Typically the scarring isn’t much to worry about and is minor , but nevertheless it can effect a patients breathing and ability to smell. Should these symptoms persist it is advisable to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Orbital Hematoma
During the nasal polyps surgery , there is a possibility of puncturing of the Orbital Hematoma. The Orbital Hematoma is a thin film which divides the orbit of the eye and the sinuses.  Should the ENT specialist accidentally damage this dividing film , it may cause bleeding into the orbit from the sinus , the blood collects to form a ‘hematoma’ . Should this happen , it’s a possibility that the hematoma can cause permanent damage to  the patients vision.

Vision Changes
Similar to the risk of developing orbital hematoma , because the surgeon is operating close to the thin film separating the orbit of the eye and the sinuses, double vision is a possible risk of functional endoscopic nasal polyps removal. This can occur as the surgeon runs the risk of damaging the muscles of the eye , resulting in an imbalance between how the eye muscles function together.

Meningitis
As a consequence of any nasal polyps operation, there is a possibility of cerebral spinal fluid leakage. This can be caused by damage to the bone that is located at the top of the sinuses.In most cases , ( when it occurs ) the leakage is minor and corrects itsekf without any medical treatment. However , if cebral spinal fluid leakage persists , patients are at risk of developing meningitis, an inflammatory brain infection. Meningitis is a very serious condition that can threaten the patients life if not dealt with promptly and correctly. Symptoms of meningitis include development of a stiff neck , a throbbing headache or high fever. It is of the utmost importance that the patient contact a doctor immediately should he or she develop any of these symptoms after nasal polyp surgery.

Infection
Its common for a sinus infection to develop as a result of nasal polyp removal. Typically while the patient may experience some congestion , this usually subsides following a course of antibiotics.

Impaired Smell
Inflammation in the nose is a common side effect of functional endoscopic surgery for nasal polyps. Consequently, blockage of the sinuses can occur. In addition to this , blood may dry up over the noses smell receptors resulting in an impaired sense of smell.

However , these symptoms are temporary and will subside in a few days or weeks.