Antral washout with nasal polypectomy: should both be combined?

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Rhinosinusitis Research

Background:

• Nasal polyps are common, often associated with chronic rhinosinusitis.
• Current diagnostic protocols for nasal polyps can include various investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of antral washouts and pre-operative sinus radiographs in patients with nasal polyps.

Main Methods:

• A study of 216 patients with nasal polyps undergoing nasal polypectomy.
• Analysis of 260 antral aspirates for bacterial culture and microscopy.
• Review of pre-operative sinus radiographs for 101 patients.

Main Results:

• Bacteria were cultured from 38 patients (17.6%) via antral washouts.
• Sinus radiographs showed abnormalities in 94% of cases, with a 52% false-positive rate.
• Antral washouts identified bacterial infections in a subset of patients.

Conclusions:

• Antral washouts should be a routine procedure during nasal polypectomy.
• Pre-operative sinus radiographs are not essential for uncomplicated nasal polyps, potentially avoiding unnecessary findings.