ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) · Jaipur Hospital
Nasal Polyp Removal in Jaipur
Blocked nose and lost smell? Get a clear assessment and a simple treatment plan.
- Serving Jaipur since 1991 (35 years)
- NABH accredited
- 24×7 emergency & ICU
- Cashless: RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS + 22 insurers
- Operation time
- 1 to 2 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthesia
- Recovery
- 1 to 2 weeksnasal packing/splints removed at 1 week
- Price
- ₹50,000 to ₹1,20,000typical range in India; ask us for an estimate
When your nose stays blocked
Medicines help for a while, then the blockage returns
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths from inflamed sinus lining. They block airflow and drainage, causing congestion, facial pressure, and loss of smell. Medicines can shrink them, but polyps often grow back when treatment stops.
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Constant stuffy nose
Breathing through the mouth day and night, poor sleep, dry throat.
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Lost sense of smell
Food tastes bland, cannot detect smoke or gas leaks.
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Facial pressure
Heaviness over cheeks and forehead that painkillers do not ease.
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Repeated antibiotics
Frequent courses for sinus infections that keep returning.
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Time off work
Sick days pile up; concentration drops from poor sleep.
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is linked to asthma and allergy, sharing a type 2 inflammatory pathway.
Why Jaipur Hospital
You worry that another surgery means more packing, more leave, and the polyps coming back anyway.
Your care plan
Your first steps with us
- 1 Call or visit for an OPD appointment with an ENT surgeon.
- 2 Get a nasal endoscopy and CT scan reviewed in one visit.
- 3 Undergo daycare or one-night FESS under general anaesthesia.
- 4 Attend follow-up at one week for splint removal and healing check.
How the operation is done
Surgery is through the nostrils using a high-definition endoscope. No cuts on the face. The surgeon opens blocked sinus passages and removes polyps with a microdebrider. Packing or splints may be placed and removed at one week.
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Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)
Microdebrider removes polyps and opens sinus drainage pathways; image guidance available for complex anatomy.
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Endoscopic polypectomy alone
Targeted removal for limited polyps without extensive sinus disease.
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Extended frontal/sphenoid drill-out
Wider opening of frontal or sphenoid sinuses for severe, recurrent disease.
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Biologic therapy referral
Dupilumab or mepolizumab considered for severe recurrence after surgery, especially with asthma.
Why patients trust us
- 1991 Serving Jaipur for 35 years
- NABH Accredited hospital
- 2 ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) consultants
- 24×7 Emergency, ICU and ambulance
- 25 Cashless schemes and insurers
What studies report about FESS outcomes
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1 to 2 weeks
Most people return to work or school within a week and resume normal routine within two weeks after FESS.
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14% to 24%
Long-term revision surgery rates for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps fall in this range across studies.
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3 in 100
Heavy bleeding is the most common complication, occurring in about 3 out of 100 FESS procedures.
If it is left untreated
Untreated polyps can enlarge, worsening blockage and smell loss. Chronic infection may spread to nearby structures. Asthma control often worsens when sinus disease is not managed.
Life after treatment
Most people breathe better through the nose, regain smell, and need fewer antibiotics. Medicines work better once the sinus passages are open.
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Nasal breathing
Most people report clear nasal airflow within weeks after splint removal.
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Smell returns
Sense of smell usually improves, though full recovery can take months.
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Fewer infections
Open sinuses drain better, so acute sinus infections become less frequent.
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Better asthma control
Treating sinus inflammation often helps lower airway symptoms too.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients ask about nasal polyp removal
What does nasal polyp removal involve?
In short
Nasal polyp removal at Jaipur Hospital is usually done by functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The surgeon works through the nostrils with a thin endoscope and small instruments to remove polyps and open the sinus passages. No cuts are made on the face. The operation takes about one to two hours under general anaesthesia.
In detail
During FESS the surgeon uses a microdebrider or other powered tools to shave away the polyps and to widen the natural drainage pathways of the ethmoid, maxillary, frontal and sphenoid sinuses.
Image guidance may be used when the anatomy is distorted or when the frontal or sphenoid sinuses are involved. If the disease is limited, a simpler endoscopic polypectomy alone may be enough.
In more severe or recurrent cases an extended frontal or sphenoid drill-out can be performed. The aim is to restore ventilation and drainage so that topical medicines can reach the sinus lining after surgery.
Heavy bleeding is the most common complication and occurs in about three out of every hundred cases. Nasal packing or splints are often placed and are usually removed after one week.
A common belief
Many people think the nose is cut open or that a long hospital stay is needed.
What actually happens
In fact FESS is done entirely through the nostrils and is usually a daycare or one-night procedure.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Most patients go home the same day or stay one night. You can expect slight bleeding, stuffiness and discomfort for a few days. Most people return to work or school within a week and feel fully recovered in a few months.
A follow-up visit is scheduled to clean the nose and check healing. Please contact Jaipur Hospital to book a consultation with our surgical team.
Which tests and scans do I need before nasal polyp removal?
In short
Before nasal polyp removal at Jaipur Hospital you will usually need a diagnostic nasal endoscopy in the clinic and a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses. The CT scan is the standard imaging test to show the extent of disease in all sinuses and to plan the surgical approach. Routine blood tests such as a complete blood count, coagulation profile and blood group are done for anaesthesia safety.
In detail
The CT scan is scored using the Lund-Mackay system which grades each sinus for opacification. This helps the surgeon decide whether a standard FESS, an extended frontal or sphenoid drill-out, or a limited polypectomy is appropriate.
If you have asthma or allergy, lung function tests or allergy testing may be arranged. In selected cases an MRI may be ordered if there is concern about extension beyond the sinuses.
The hospital's in-house diagnostic laboratory and radiology department can perform all these tests on the same campus. The cost of a CT scan typically ranges from Rs 2,500 to Rs 6,000 as per local pricing data.
A common belief
Patients sometimes expect an MRI for every case.
What actually happens
MRI is only needed when the surgeon suspects disease extending outside the sinuses. The CT scan gives the detailed bony anatomy needed for FESS.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
You will be given a list of required investigations at your pre-operative visit. Most tests are done a few days before surgery. Results are reviewed by the anaesthesia team and the surgeon. Please contact Jaipur Hospital to book a consultation with our surgical team.
How painful is nasal polyp removal and the early recovery?
In short
At Jaipur Hospital, nasal polyp removal is done under general anaesthesia, so you feel no pain during the operation. After surgery, most patients describe mild to moderate discomfort, stuffiness, and a dull ache rather than sharp pain. Pain relief is given regularly while you are in hospital and as tablets to take home.
In detail
The procedure uses a nasal endoscope with tiny instruments, so there are no external cuts. Evidence shows slight bleeding, stuffiness, and discomfort are normal for a few days after functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
Nasal packing or splints may be placed and are usually removed at one week, which can cause brief discomfort. Regular paracetamol or prescribed analgesics control the pain well. Most people return to light activity within a week. The protocol notes recovery of one to two weeks, with packing or splints removed at one week.
A common belief
Some expect severe facial pain like old sinus surgeries.
What actually happens
Modern endoscopic surgery works inside the nostrils with no cuts on the face, so pain is much less. The main sensation is congestion from swelling and splints, not wound pain.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Take pain medicine as advised, keep your head raised on two pillows, and avoid blowing your nose. Use saline rinses if your surgeon recommends them. Attend the one-week follow-up for splint removal and nasal cleaning. If pain worsens suddenly or you have heavy bleeding, contact the hospital.
How long does recovery usually take after nasal polyp removal?
In short
At Jaipur Hospital, recovery after nasal polyp removal usually takes one to two weeks. Most people return to work or school in about a week. Full healing of the nasal lining can take a few months. Nasal packing or splints are typically removed at one week. Your surgeon will guide you on activity levels at each stage.
In detail
Our usual protocols state recovery of one to two weeks with packing or splints removed at one week. Evidence shows most people resume normal routine within two weeks after functional endoscopic sinus surgery, though it may take a few months to feel fully recovered.
The first few days involve stuffiness, mild bleeding, and discomfort. Saline rinses and prescribed sprays help clear crusts. Avoid heavy lifting, bending, and nose blowing for at least two weeks. Follow-up visits allow the surgeon to clean the nose and check healing.
A common belief
Some expect to be perfectly fine the next day.
What actually happens
The nose stays stuffy and crusty for a while because the lining has to regrow. That is normal healing, not a complication. Patience with saline rinses and follow-ups makes the difference.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Plan for one week off work if your job is sedentary, longer if it involves heavy exertion. Keep your head elevated, use saline rinses as advised, and attend the one-week follow-up for splint removal. Do not blow your nose. Contact the hospital if bleeding increases or you develop fever.
Is the blockage caused by allergy, sinus disease, polyps, or a bent septum?
In short
Nasal blockage can be caused by allergy, chronic sinus disease, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or a combination of these. At Jaipur Hospital, the ENT surgeon uses nasal endoscopy and, when needed, a CT scan to identify the exact cause in your case. The treatment plan is then tailored to the findings.
In detail
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an inflammatory condition where polyps arise from the ethmoid sinuses and obstruct the nasal passages. Allergic rhinitis, asthma and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease are frequent comorbidities that drive the same type 2 inflammation.
A deviated septum narrows the nasal valve mechanically and can impair sinus drainage, making polyps more likely to persist. Because the symptoms — congestion, loss of smell, facial pressure, post-nasal drip — overlap, clinical examination alone cannot reliably separate the contributors.
Diagnostic nasal endoscopy visualises the polyps, pus, mucosal swelling and septal deviation directly.
A CT scan of the paranasal sinuses defines the extent of sinus opacification, anatomical variants and bony changes, guiding the choice between polypectomy alone, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or septoplasty combined with FESS.
A common belief
Patients often assume it is just allergy or just a bent septum.
What actually happens
In reality, polyps, chronic sinus inflammation, allergy and septal deviation frequently coexist. Treating only one may leave the blockage unchanged. Accurate imaging and endoscopy prevent incomplete surgery.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you have persistent nasal blockage, loss of smell or facial pressure for more than 12 weeks, book a consultation at Jaipur Hospital. The surgeon will perform a nasal endoscopy in the OPD and advise a CT scan if needed. You will receive a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan suited to your anatomy.
Could nasal polyps affect hearing, balance, breathing, speech, or swallowing?
In short
Nasal polyps primarily affect breathing through the nose and the sense of smell. They can also cause a nasal voice quality and, by blocking the eustachian tube opening, lead to a feeling of ear fullness or mild hearing changes. Balance, speech articulation and swallowing are not directly affected. At Jaipur Hospital, the ENT surgeon evaluates the whole upper airway to identify any related issues.
In detail
Large or multiple polyps obstruct the nasal airway, forcing mouth breathing. This can alter voice resonance, making it sound hyponasal.
The eustachian tube opens into the nasopharynx; mechanical obstruction or inflammatory swelling around its orifice can impair middle ear ventilation, causing a sensation of blockage, mild conductive hearing loss or serous otitis media. True vertigo or balance disturbance is not a feature of nasal polyps.
Speech articulation (tongue and lip movements) is unaffected, though resonance changes may be noticed by others. Swallowing is not impaired because the polyps are confined to the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.
If you have ear symptoms, the surgeon will examine the eardrums and may perform tympanometry. Coexisting conditions such as allergic rhinitis or adenoid hypertrophy can contribute to ear and voice symptoms.
A common belief
Patients sometimes worry about choking or vertigo.
What actually happens
Polyps do not reach the throat or inner ear. The ear symptoms come from pressure on the eustachian tube opening, not from inner ear damage. Treating the nasal obstruction usually resolves the ear fullness and voice change.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you notice ear fullness, hearing changes or a persistent nasal voice along with nasal blockage, mention these at your consultation. The surgeon will check your ears and nasopharynx.
Why might my doctor recommend nasal polyp removal?
In short
Your doctor may recommend nasal polyp removal at Jaipur Hospital when medicines such as nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines or short courses of oral steroids have not controlled your symptoms. Surgery is considered when polyps keep blocking the nose, cause loss of smell, recurrent sinus infections or facial pressure that affects daily life.
In detail
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is an inflammatory condition where the lining of the sinuses swells into the nasal cavity.
Studies show that proper medical treatment with topical steroids and allergy control plays a significant role in lowering recurrence, but when maximal medical therapy fails, FESS restores drainage and airflow.
Evidence indicates that after FESS most people notice major improvements in breathing, congestion and facial pain, and overall quality of life improves even if some symptoms remain. Surgery also allows topical medicines to reach the sinus lining more effectively afterwards.
In patients with asthma or aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, polyps tend to be more aggressive and may need earlier surgical referral. Biologic therapy such as dupilumab may be discussed for severe recurrent disease after surgery.
A common belief
Some patients expect medicines to work forever.
What actually happens
In reality polyps often come back despite medical therapy, and long-term oral steroids have side effects. Surgery creates a pathway for topical medicines to work better.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
The decision is made after a detailed history, nasal endoscopy and a CT scan of the sinuses. If medical therapy has been tried for an adequate period without enough relief, the surgeon will explain the expected benefits and risks. You can then decide together on timing. Please contact Jaipur Hospital to book a consultation with our surgical team.
How should I prepare in the days before nasal polyp removal?
In short
In the days before nasal polyp removal at Jaipur Hospital you should follow the specific instructions given by your surgeon and the anaesthesia team. Typically you will be asked to stop smoking, avoid alcohol, and continue any regular medicines unless told otherwise. You may be prescribed a short course of oral steroids or antibiotics before surgery to reduce inflammation and infection risk.
In detail
Pre-operative preparation aims to lower the chance of bleeding and infection. Smoking impairs healing and increases recurrence risk, so stopping at least two weeks before surgery is strongly advised.
If you take blood thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel or warfarin, the surgeon will coordinate with your physician on when to hold them. Herbal supplements like ginkgo, garlic, ginger or ginseng can also increase bleeding and should be stopped one to two weeks prior.
The anaesthesia team will review your medical history and may request a chest X-ray or ECG if you are over forty or have cardiac risk factors.
You should arrange for an attendant to stay with you on the day of surgery and for the first night at home.
A common belief
Many patients forget to mention herbal products or over-the-counter painkillers.
What actually happens
These can increase bleeding during surgery. The anaesthesia team needs a complete list of everything you take.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
You will receive a written pre-operative checklist at your pre-anaesthesia check-up. Complete all tests, stop the advised medicines and supplements, and confirm your fasting time. Please contact Jaipur Hospital to book a consultation with our surgical team.
What are the common side effects and the less common serious complications of nasal polyp removal?
In short
At Jaipur Hospital, common side effects after nasal polyp removal include a blocked nose, mild bleeding, crusting, and temporary loss of smell. These usually settle within one to two weeks. Less common serious complications include heavy bleeding, injury to the eye or skull base, and infection. Your surgeon discusses these risks before you sign consent.
In detail
Evidence shows the most common complication of functional endoscopic sinus surgery is heavy bleeding, which happens in about three out of every hundred surgeries.
The endoscope works close to the eye socket and the base of the skull, so rare injuries can cause double vision, CSF leak, or infection spreading to the orbit or brain. Scarring or adhesions inside the nose may form and need later release.
Polyps can recur; studies report revision rates of approximately fourteen to twenty-four percent over the long term. Proper technique and post-operative care reduce these risks.
A common belief
Many patients worry about facial scars or brain damage.
What actually happens
The surgery is done entirely through the nostrils with a camera, so there are no cuts on the face. Serious complications are uncommon, and your surgeon takes steps to protect the eye and skull base.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Expect a stuffy nose and spotting of blood for a few days. Use saline rinses and any prescribed sprays. Do not blow your nose hard.
Go to the emergency department if you have non-stop heavy bleeding, clear watery fluid from one side of the nose, worsening headache, vision changes, or fever.
Which symptoms are expected after nasal polyp removal, and which need urgent medical attention?
In short
At Jaipur Hospital, expected symptoms after nasal polyp removal include a blocked nose, light blood-stained discharge, mild facial pressure, crusting, and temporary reduced smell for one to two weeks. Urgent signs are heavy bright red bleeding that does not stop, clear watery fluid from one nostril, worsening severe headache, vision changes, or fever above 38°C. Go to the emergency department if these occur.
In detail
Evidence notes slight bleeding, stuffiness, and discomfort are normal for a few days after functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Packing or splints add to the blocked feeling. Heavy bleeding occurs in about three percent of cases and needs urgent care.
A CSF leak shows as clear, watery fluid from one side of the nose and requires immediate repair. Infection may cause increasing pain, fever, or swelling around the eye. Orbital injury can cause double vision or vision loss. Early recognition and treatment prevent serious outcomes.
A common belief
Patients often mistake the normal blocked feeling for something wrong.
What actually happens
The nose is swollen and has splints inside, so it feels completely blocked. That is expected. But clear watery fluid or sudden vision change are never normal — they need a surgeon right away.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Use saline rinses and prescribed sprays. Do not blow your nose. Sleep with your head raised. Attend the one-week follow-up for splint removal and nasal cleaning.
If you notice non-stop bleeding, clear watery drip, vision changes, severe headache, or fever, go to the 24×7 emergency department at Jaipur Hospital immediately.
FAQ library
Questions and answers about nasal polyp removal
When you contact us
Get your assessment and plan
Contact Jaipur Hospital for an OPD consultation; we review your scans, explain options, give a cost estimate, and assist with cashless approvals.
- A consultation with an ENT surgeon in the OPD
- Your scans and reports reviewed, with tests done in-house if you need them (laboratory, X-ray and imaging)
- Your options explained in plain words, including whether you need surgery at all
- A cost estimate before you decide
- Help with cashless treatment under RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS and empanelled insurers and TPAs
- Follow-up visits after your treatment
Overview
Nasal Polyp Removal: what to know
What nasal polyps are and how they develop
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that form on the lining of the nose or sinuses. They usually appear on both sides and start in the ethmoid sinuses between the eyes. The growths are caused by long-term inflammation that makes the lining swell and hang down into the nasal passage.
When polyps become large or numerous, they block airflow and stop mucus from draining properly. This blockage can lead to chronic sinus infections and a constant feeling of congestion. The condition is called chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) when symptoms last more than 12 weeks.
Inflammation in the nose and sinuses often shares features with asthma, including similar immune cells and chemical signals. Defects in the nasal lining barrier and changes in the local immune response also play a part in why polyps form and persist.
Symptoms of nasal polyps and when to seek urgent care
- Severe nosebleed Does not stop after 10 minutes of pinching
- Severe headache with fever Plus stiff neck or confusion
- Vision changes Double vision or swelling around eyes
- Clear fluid from nose After a head injury
- Cannot breathe through nose With worsening shortness of breath
Common symptoms include:
- A blocked nose that does not clear
- A runny nose or post-nasal drip
- Reduced or lost sense of smell
- Facial pressure or pain
Many people also breathe through the mouth, snore, or wake feeling unrefreshed because the nose is obstructed at night. These symptoms typically last for more than 12 weeks and can significantly affect daily life and sleep quality.
Warning signs that need same-day medical attention:
- Sudden, severe nosebleed that does not stop after 10 minutes of pinching the soft part of the nose
- Severe headache with high fever, stiff neck, or confusion
- Sudden vision changes, double vision, or swelling around the eyes
- Clear, watery fluid dripping from one side of the nose after a head injury
- Inability to breathe through the nose at all with worsening shortness of breath
These symptoms may indicate a serious infection spreading to the eye or brain, a cerebrospinal fluid leak, or another emergency that requires immediate evaluation in the emergency department.
Causes and factors that increase the risk of nasal polyps
- Asthma and allergies
- Frequently seen alongside nasal polyps
- Aspirin sensitivity (AERD)
- Links asthma, polyps, and painkiller sensitivity
- Smoking
- Increases chance of polyps returning after treatment
- Other factors
- Deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, prior surgery
The exact cause is not fully understood, but long-standing inflammation is central. Asthma and allergic rhinitis are frequently seen alongside nasal polyps. A condition called aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) links asthma, nasal polyps, and sensitivity to aspirin or similar painkillers. Smoking increases the chance of polyps returning after treatment.
Other factors linked to recurrence include:
- A history of asthma
- Allergies
- A deviated nasal septum
- Enlarged turbinates
- Previous sinus surgery
Males are affected more often than females. Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis is also associated with higher recurrence rates. Having comorbid asthma is linked to a greater likelihood of needing revision surgery.
How nasal polyps are diagnosed: examination and tests
- History and examination Doctor asks about symptoms and checks the nose
- Nasal endoscopy Thin tube with camera shows polyps directly in OPD
- CT scan of sinuses Shows extent of disease and anatomy for surgery planning
Diagnosis begins with a detailed history of your symptoms and a physical examination. The surgeon looks inside the nose using a nasal endoscope — a thin, rigid tube with a light and camera — to see the polyps directly and assess their size and location. This is usually done in the OPD and takes only a few minutes.
A CT scan of the sinuses is the standard imaging test. It shows the extent of polyp disease, which sinuses are involved, and the anatomy before any surgery. The scan helps the surgical team plan the procedure safely. In some cases, allergy testing or blood tests for inflammatory markers may be advised to understand contributing factors.
The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) provides the diagnostic criteria used internationally, combining symptoms, endoscopy findings, and CT changes.
Non-surgical treatment options and when surgery is advised for nasal polyp removal
First-line treatment is medical. Intranasal corticosteroid sprays or drops are used daily to reduce inflammation and shrink polyps. Short courses of oral steroids may be given for severe flare-ups. Treating associated allergies and asthma is also important to control the underlying inflammation. Saline nasal rinses help clear mucus and irritants. Antibiotics are prescribed only if a bacterial sinus infection is present.
Biologic medicines such as dupilumab, omalizumab, and benralizumab are newer options for severe CRSwNP that does not respond to standard treatment. These are given by injection under specialist supervision and can reduce polyp size, improve smell, and lower the need for surgery or oral steroids.
Surgery is advised when medical treatment has been tried adequately but symptoms persist, polyps remain large, or sinus drainage stays blocked. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is the standard operation. It uses endoscopes through the nostrils with no external cuts. The surgeon removes polyps and opens the sinus passages to restore ventilation and drainage.
Image guidance may be used for complex cases. For limited polyps without widespread sinus disease, endoscopic polypectomy alone may be sufficient. Extended drill-out of the frontal or sphenoid sinuses is reserved for recalcitrant disease involving those sinuses. Biologic therapy referral is considered for severe recurrence after surgery.
Most people notice major improvement in breathing and quality of life after surgery, though some symptoms may remain. Polyps can recur, and long-term medical therapy is usually needed after surgery to reduce this risk.
Preparing for nasal polyp removal surgery
Do
- Tell surgeon about blood thinners
- Fast before general anaesthesia
- Bring medicine list and insurance card
- Arrange an attendant for overnight stay
Before surgery, your surgeon will review your medical history and current medicines. You may need blood tests, a CT scan of the sinuses, or other checks to plan the operation. If you take blood thinners, aspirin, or certain supplements, tell your surgeon so they can advise when to stop them.
You will be asked to fast for several hours before general anaesthesia. Bring a list of your medicines, your insurance or scheme card, and comfortable clothes for discharge. An attendant should plan to stay with you if you are admitted overnight.
How nasal polyp removal surgery is done
Standard operation
- FESS with microdebrider
Limited polyps
- Endoscopic polypectomy alone
Recalcitrant disease
- Extended frontal or sphenoid drill-out
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes one to two hours. The surgeon works through the nostrils with a thin tube called a nasal endoscope, so there are no cuts on the face. The exact steps depend on the extent of the disease.
Options include:
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) with microdebrider polypectomy and sinus ventilation; image guidance may be used.
- Endoscopic polypectomy alone for limited polyposis without extensive sinus disease.
- Extended frontal or sphenoid sinus drill-out for recalcitrant disease involving those sinuses.
- After surgery, biologic therapy such as dupilumab or mepolizumab may be discussed if polyps are severe and likely to recur.
Your surgeon will advise which approach suits you. During the procedure, the polyps are removed and the sinus openings are widened to restore drainage and airflow. Afterward, the nose may be packed with material to absorb blood or discharge, though not every case needs packing.
Risks and possible complications of nasal polyp surgery
- 3 out of every 100 surgeries Heavy bleeding
- Infection, eye or skull base injury, temporary smell change Other risks
FESS is generally safe, but complications can happen if nearby structures are injured during surgery. In studies, the most common complication is heavy bleeding, which occurs in about 3 out of every 100 surgeries. Other risks include infection, injury to the eye or skull base, and a temporary change in the sense of smell.
Your surgical team takes steps to minimise these risks. If symptoms improve and then return, it may mean a polyp has grown back and needs further treatment.
Recovery and aftercare after nasal polyp surgery
- Day of surgery Recovery room monitoring, then discharge with instructions
- First week Slight bleeding, stuffiness, packing or splints removed
- One to two weeks Return to work or school, resume normal routine
- Few months Full healing completes
After the operation, you will spend time in a recovery room where staff monitor your condition. Before you go home, the team will explain what to expect and how to care for yourself. It is normal to have slight bleeding, stuffiness, and discomfort for a few days. Nasal packing or splints, if used, are usually removed at one week.
Most people return to work or school in about a week and resume their normal routine within two weeks. Full healing can take a few months. A follow-up visit a few weeks after surgery allows the surgeon to clean the nose and check progress.
Contact the hospital if you have heavy bleeding that does not stop, fever, severe headache, vision changes, or clear fluid leaking from the nose.
Results and recurrence after nasal polyp surgery
In studies, FESS restores drainage and airflow, and most people notice major improvements in breathing and quality of life even when some symptoms remain. It is a safe and effective surgery for chronic sinus issues and can ease congestion and facial pain from blocked sinuses. However, polyps can often come back even after successful treatment.
Reported long-term revision rates after endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps are approximately 14% to 24%. One large analysis found an overall revision rate of 18.6% over a mean follow-up of about 7.5 years. Factors linked to higher recurrence include comorbid asthma, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, smoking, allergy, septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, and prior sinus surgery.
Proper medical treatment with topical steroids and allergy control plays a significant role in lowering the recurrence rate. For severe recurrent disease, biologic therapies such as dupilumab, omalizumab, or benralizumab have shown reduction in polyp size and symptom scores in clinical trials.
Cost and insurance for nasal polyp surgery in Jaipur
At Jaipur Hospital, the typical price range for nasal polyp removal surgery is ₹50,000 to ₹1,20,000. The final cost depends on the severity of the condition, the type of procedure needed, hospital charges for the room and amenities, the surgeon's experience, and whether any complications extend the operation.
The estimate usually covers the surgery fee, anaesthesia, hospital stay (daycare or one night), and basic medicines. Diagnostic tests such as a CT scan, consultation fees, and follow-up visits are billed separately.
Jaipur Hospital is empanelled under:
- RGHS
- MAA Yojana
- CGHS
- A panel of private insurers and TPAs
If you are covered under one of these schemes, bring your card and any pre-authorisation documents. The billing team can help you understand what your plan covers and what you may need to pay out of pocket.
