Nasal polypectomy: should antral washout be a routine?

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Rhinology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Nasal polyps are common inflammatory growths in the nasal cavity.
• Sinusitis often coexists with nasal polyps, necessitating evaluation.
• Current diagnostic practices for sinusitis in polyp patients vary.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic yield of antral washouts in nasal polyp patients.
• To determine the necessity of pre-operative sinus radiographs for uncomplicated nasal polyps.

Main Methods:

• Seventy patients with nasal polyps were studied.
• Pre-operative sinus radiographs were performed on 47 patients.
• Antral washouts and aspirate cultures/microscopy were conducted during polypectomy.

Main Results:

• Turbid aspirates observed in 34 patients.
• Bacterial cultures positive in 10 patients (15 specimens).
• No significant correlation between radiograph findings and washout results.

Conclusions:

• Antral washout is recommended for all patients undergoing nasal polypectomy.
• Sinus radiographs are not required for uncomplicated nasal polyps.
• Routine antral washout aids in diagnosing concurrent sinusitis.