Nasal polyps are non-cancerous, soft growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses, often linked to chronic inflammation. When these growths become large enough to cause persistent symptoms like congestion, breathing difficulty, or loss of smell, surgical removal may be recommended. The standard procedure is an endoscopic polypectomy, which is a minimally invasive operation performed by an ear, nose, and throat specialist. This technique uses a thin, lighted tube with a camera, called an endoscope, to access and remove the polyps without any external incisions.
Duration of the Surgical Procedure
The operation itself typically ranges from 30 minutes to one hour. This timeframe represents the duration the surgeon is actively working to remove the polyps and clear the blocked passages.
The total operating time is highly dependent on the extent of the disease within the sinuses. A patient with polyps confined to the nasal passages will likely have a shorter surgery. However, if the procedure involves more extensive work, such as widening the sinus drainage pathways or removing very large polyps, the operation may extend beyond one hour.
Timeline for the Day of Surgery
The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. The process begins with the pre-operative phase, where the patient checks in, meets the surgical team, and receives anesthesia preparation, which usually takes between one to two hours. This preparation ensures the patient is stable and ready for the general anesthesia required for the procedure.
Following the operation, the patient is moved to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for monitoring as they wake up from the anesthesia. This recovery and observation period typically requires two to three hours. Patients should plan to commit a total of four to six hours at the surgical facility from the initial check-in until they are discharged to go home.
Resuming Daily Activities
The initial recovery requires a period of rest, as most patients feel fatigue for the first 24 to 48 hours following the procedure. Since general anesthesia is used, an adult must drive the patient home, and driving is restricted for 24 hours post-operation. Returning to light activities, such as desk work or administrative tasks, is often possible within one to three days.
Post-operative care involves following a regimen, most notably the use of saline sinus rinses. These rinses are performed multiple times daily to flush out debris, blood clots, and mucus, which is necessary for proper healing of the sinus lining. Patients should not blow their nose forcefully for up to two weeks to prevent bleeding or disruption of the healing tissue.
Strenuous physical activity, including heavy lifting or intense cardio, must be avoided for at least one to two weeks. The surgeon will provide specific guidelines on when a gradual return to full exercise is safe. Adherence to these post-operative instructions, including taking prescribed anti-inflammatory or pain medications, influences the speed and success of the recovery process.
Long-Term Outlook and Management
While surgical removal provides immediate relief by physically clearing the obstruction, the procedure does not cure the underlying chronic inflammatory condition causing the polyps. Long-term management is necessary to maintain the results, as recurrence is a concern if the underlying inflammation is not controlled.
Maintenance therapy is initiated shortly after the initial healing period to minimize the chance of polyps regrowing. This typically involves the consistent, long-term use of topical nasal steroid sprays, which reduce inflammation in the sinus lining. Regular post-operative follow-up appointments with the specialist are scheduled to monitor healing and perform office-based cleanings, known as debridement, to prevent scarring. In cases of severe or rapidly recurring disease, newer treatments like biologic medications may be introduced to target specific inflammatory pathways.