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are concerned about any aspect of care or treatment please
speak to a member of staff or contact the Patient Advice and
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Nasal polypectomy:
some questions answered
ENT department
Freephone (City Hospital campus): 0800 052 1195
Freephone (QMC campus): 0800 183 0204
From a mobile or abroad: 0115 924 9924 ext 65412 or 62301
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E-mail: [email protected]
Letter: NUH NHS Trust, c/o PALS, Freepost NEA 14614,
Nottingham NG7 1BR
www.nuh.nhs.uk
This document can be provided in different languages
and formats. For more information please contact:
Ear, Nose and Throat out-patient department,
ENT Building, QMC campus,
A Floor, East block,
Tel: 0115 924 9924 ext. 61111/61112
Angela Gent, ENT department © April 2011. All rights reserved. Nottingham
University Hospitals NHS Trust. Review April 2013. Ref: 0249/v4/0411/CR.
Why have a nasal polypectomy?
What can I expect after the surgery?
Nasal polyps are fluid filled swellings of the lining of the nose.
Some can be treated with nasal drops or sprays, however some
can become large and cause nasal obstruction and need to be
removed to reduce the obstruction.
Everyone gets some bleeding from the nose during the night
after the operation and when the packs are removed.
Occasionally you may need further nasal packs if your nose
bleeds a lot.
What happens?
If you have a nose bleed pinch the bottom part of your nose for
at least ten minutes and lean forward. (Do not lean backwards.)
If the bleeding continues consult your GP or nearest accident
and emergency department. If you need any advice ring ward
C24.
While you are under a general anaesthetic the doctors will
remove the polyps to improve your nasal passageway. They
may also insert gauze packs into your nose after the operation
to reduce any bleeding. These packs will be removed before you
are allowed to go home.
How long does the operation take?
The operation takes approximately thirty minutes, however you
could be off the ward for up to two hours. This includes time
spent in the anaesthetic room, theatre and recovery. You will
stay in the recovery area until you are fully awake.
How long will I stay in hospital?
People normally stay in hospital for one night, however you may
be a ‘day case’, which means you can go home the same day.
How long must I be off work, school or college?
You should take one week off work, school or college. If you
work in a dusty or smoky environment you may need to have
two weeks off. If you need a sick note please ask the doctor
when you are discharged. You should avoid anybody with
coughs and colds during this time.
Does it hurt?
People often find that they get discomfort while the nasal packs
are in and often have a headache. It is uncomfortable when the
packs are removed but this settles soon after. If you have any
pain when you are at home take the painkillers that you would
normally take for a headache.
The mucus that the nose produces may be bloodstained for a
few days afterwards. Infection is rare but if you develop a
temperature and have coloured mucus coming out of your nose
you should contact your general practitioner (GP).
It is normal for your nose to feel blocked for several days after
the operation. This will improve over the following two weeks.
Complications
Complications following nasal surgery are unusual. The eyes
are near the sinuses, as is the sac of fluid around the brain, and
there are reports of these being damaged in surgery. This is rare
and precautions will be taken to avoid this happening to you.
What will happen afterwards?
Patients who have this surgery can get other nasal symptoms;
this operation may not reduce these. This can be discussed with
your doctor at your outpatients follow up, which will be in six to
12 weeks’ time.
You may need to use nasal drops or steam inhalations after
your operation; the nursing or medical staff will advise you of
this. Unfortunately nasal polyps frequently recur after they are
removed and you may require further treatment.