Nasal Polyps (Endoscopic Polyp Removal) in Austin, TX
What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that develop in the nasal passages or sinuses. They often occur as a result of chronic sinus infections, nasal allergies, or a combination of both. Polyps usually begin as small areas of swelling in the sinus lining, known as “polypoid degeneration,” and can gradually enlarge into masses that may block the nasal and sinus cavities.
What are the Symptoms of Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps produce severe congestion, mouth breathing, and snoring. They are also typically associated with chronic and recurring sinus infections. Other common symptoms include the following:
- Runny Nose
- Postnasal Drip
- Constant stuffiness
- Congestion
- Nasal blockage
- Mouth Breathing
- Snoring
- Sinus Pressure
- Drainage
- Sinus Infections
Read Blog Post: What Are Nasal Polyps
What is an Endoscopic Polyp Removal?
Removal of nasal polyps used to be an extensive procedure. Now, with modern endoscopic techniques, they can be safely removed as an office procedure. In our office, under IV sedation, a small telescope is used to visualize the polyps, and a special suction instrument can be used to vacuum the polyps away. This is typically done in conjunction with balloon sinuplasty and a sinus wash to clear the associated sinus infection.
Dr. Slaughter explains what it means to have nasal polyps and how It can be treated at Sinus & Snoring Specialists
Why is Endoscopic Polyp Removal Performed?
Endoscopic polyp removal is often performed in conjunction with balloon sinuplasty, typically under IV sedation in our office. Using a small 4mm nasal endoscope connected to a camera, we are able to precisely visualize the nasal passages. A specialized tool called a suction microdebrider is then used to gently remove the polyps. This process opens up the nasal airway and allows better access to the sinus drainage pathways, which is essential for the balloon sinuplasty to be effective. As a result, it helps relieve the symptoms caused by nasal polyps, as described earlier.
What causes polyps in the nose?
Polyps result from chronic inflammation in the nose and sinuses in people with a genetic predisposition to polyp formation. Allergy or infection may produce polyps in these individuals. Structural problems in the nose also increase the likelihood of polyp formation.
What foods make nasal polyps worse?
In people with significant allergies to pollen and/or food, exposure to these items may increase the likelihood of polyp formation.
In certain individuals, the use of aspirin or drugs like ibuprofen may also cause them.
Alternative Treatments for Nasal Polyps
Polyps, if found early, may regress with medical management. If they do not, the endoscopic removal along with balloon sinuplasty is the next step. Resolution of associated chronic sinusitis is critical to prevent recurrence. Balloon sinuplasty has a 98.6% success rate in resolving chronic and recurring sinusitis by allowing the sinuses to drain normally.
Once the polyps and sinus infection have been resolved, the polyp prevention program must be followed. This involves excellent allergy management. To that end, we will always do allergy skin testing in our office to identify the patient’s allergies and use allergy drop therapy to teach their immune system to block their allergies.
Biologic therapy to block the chemicals that create polyps is also very important for polyp prevention. Dupixent (and other biologic treatments ) is a prescription medicine used to prevent the recurrence of nasal polyps in those 12 years and older. It is a biological medication that targets the specific part of the immune system that leads to polyp production. Sublingual immunotherapy with allergy drops and Dupixent work together by targeting different pathways in the immune system, and therefore work best in combination to provide comprehensive coverage for the prevention of nasal polyps. Dupixent is given as an injection under the skin twice a month in the thigh by the patient at home. If prescribed, you will be shown in the office how to administer the injection.
Can you pull out nasal polyps at home?
Removal of polyps is a surgical procedure and needs to be done in conjunction with resolving the underlying structural issues that may exist in the nose, along with clearing any associated infection.
Can the polyp return after treatment?
In most cases, nasal polyps do not return if the underlying sinus infection is treated and allergies are well managed, often with the help of biologic therapies. However, in some patients, polyps have a tendency to recur and may require periodic removal. Fortunately, these procedures typically involve minimal discomfort and a quick recovery. Ongoing treatments such as allergy drop therapy and newer biologic options like Dupixent can significantly lower the risk of recurrence.
What is the Recovery from a Polyp Removal Procedure?
The patient will have a cold-like sensation for a few days and 1-2 days of bloody nasal discharge. Most patients do not require pain medication and will work the day after the procedure.
How painful is nasal polyp surgery?
Removing nasal polyps, correcting underlying structural issues, and clearing the sinuses can be done as a simple 15-minute office procedure under IV sedation. Patients will typically not require any pain medication and can work the next day. In our office, there is no packing required.
Is it worth having nasal polyps removed?
Resolving nasal polyps either through medical treatment or surgical removal is critical to breathing well and having sinus health.
Patient Testimonials
“Friendly, professional staff that work hard to provide the best experience for all their patients. I had a balloon sinuplasty performed by Doctor Slaughter and his team and I couldn’t be happier with the results! The results were immediate and the recovery took only a couple days! If you have been on the fence about going to better your sleeping/general breathing situation please do yourself a huge favor and visit Sinus and Snoring! So grateful for the whole team and their
enthusiasm to provide genuine patient care! “ – L.E.“Dr. Slaughter is simply the kindest and professional doctor I’ve seen in a long time. He
absolutely makes you feel important and not only listens to you, but explains everything in a way
that’s easy for a patient to understand. Absolutely Recommended” – T.B.“Really appreciated the entire staff. Very knowledgeable and efficient, but also warm and
friendly. Exactly what I want when I visit a medical professional!” – M.W.
Schedule a consultation
If you are interested in learning more about endoscopic polyp removal and would like to see if you are a good candidate, contact our office in Austin, TX today! Call or HIPAA compliantly text us at (512) 601-0303 to schedule a consultation with board-certified ENT Specialist Dr. Daniel Slaughter or Dr. Ryan Salvador.
