Results of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Nasal Polyps

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for nasal polyps was performed on 105 patients, who had a total of 134 operations, on 263 sides. Most patients (84%) had been previously operated on because of recurrent nasal polyps. The subjective results were good in 86% after one or more operations, with a median follow-up of almost 2 years. The objective results, as assessed by nasal endoscopy, show no recurrence in this group in 61%. Preoperative and postoperative lung function was tested in 30 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). An improvement was noted in 64%, in 23% the lung function was unchanged, and in 13% it had decreased. A relationship was noted between IgE-mediated allergy and the recurrence of nasal polyps. Patients with an IgE-mediated allergy had significantly more recurrences (50%). The complication rate was 4.3% of the 263 operated sides.