Antral washout with nasal polypectomy: should both be combined?

Two hundred and sixteen patients with nasal polyps were studied. All patients had antral washouts performed at the same time as nasal polypectomy. Two hundred and sixty aspirates were sent for culture and microscopy; bacteria were cultured from 58 of these specimens in 38 patients. One hundred and one patients had pre-operative sinus radiographs of which 94 were reported as abnormal with a 52% false-positive result. It is concluded that antral washouts should be routine in all patients having nasal polypectomy. Sinus radiographs are an unnecessary pre-operative investigation in patients with uncomplicated nasal polyps.