Meticulous endoscopic sinus surgery to prevent recurrence of massive nasal polyposis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of meticulous endoscopic surgery, including opening of all involved sinus cells, on the subsequent symptoms and endoscopic findings of patients with massive nasal polyposis.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHOD

One hundred patients with massive nasal polyposis resistant to medical treatment were selected. We documented each patient's demographic data, associated diseases, endoscopic findings, Lund-Mackay score and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT22) symptom score. All patients were followed up for at least two years to evaluate any recurrence.

RESULTS

Of the 100 patients, 20 per cent had a history of asthma and 27 per cent had undergone previous surgery. All underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. After two years of follow up, 8 per cent had recurrence requiring surgery. Recurrence was significantly associated with a history of asthma (p < 0.001) and the histopathological presence of eosinophilia (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

Meticulous endoscopic opening of all involved sinus cells can be a safe and effective means of controlling massive nasal polyposis, with an acceptable recurrence rate.