Septoplasty and Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for a Nasal Polyp?

Question

Is it possible to have a septoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery for a nasal polyp at the same time? Are the side effects similar? How long is the combined surgery?

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is certainly possible and very common to have both septoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery done at the same time. A septoplasty is performed for functional breathing problems when a crooked or deviated septum is blocking airflow through the nose. Sinus surgery is performed for nasal polyps, which can cause chronic sinusitis. The symptoms of chronic sinusitis include ongoing facial headaches, pain, pressure, postnasal drip, drainage, congestion, and repetitive sinus infections. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery opens up the affected sinuses, removes the polyps and is an excellent procedure to relieve chronic sinusitis. A cosmetic rhinoplasty can also be done at the same time if the patient desires. The combined surgery of septoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery is between 30 and 60 minutes. The postoperative recovery is the same.

James Bartels, MD · Answer

Not only can septoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery be done at the same time, but they frequently are.  The possible reasons are multiple, but the most common are when both issues contribute to nasal blockage, or if the deviation of the septum has to be corrected to give better access to the sinuses for polyp removal.

	I do not often recommend endoscopic sinus surgery (for polyps) to be done at the same time as rhinoplasty surgery.  These are operations to address unrelated issues, and I do not want to risk compromising the outcome of one in favor of the other.

Anifat Balogun, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Septoplasty and Endoscopic sinus surgery can and are often performed at the same time, in course of nasal polyp removal. Typically, the septoplasty is performed to correct septal deviation that impedes access to the drainage paths from the sinus to the nasal cavity. Septoplasty, by opening up room in the nasal cavity, allows the endoscopic polypectomy to proceed more smoothly. 

	Septoplasty adds about 15-25 minutes to surgical time. Total surgery time for both procedures, depends on how many sinuses need to be "opened" to clear polyps.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes but be sure that the Rhinoplasty surgeon performing these agrees. Endoscopic sinus surgery does sometinmes move the turbinates towards the septum for added access during the sinus procedure. This would negate the ability to work on the septum (Septoplasty) so as to avoid synechiae formation.

Septoplasty and Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for a Nasal Polyp?

Answers (4)

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