Antrochoanal polyps: analysis of 16 cases

Antrochoanal polyps are rare lesions. Several surgical techniques have been reported to provide complete cure of the disease. However, inadequate treatment may result in a high rate of recurrences. The aetiological as well as predisposing factors are not well understood. We present a literature review and discuss the clinical, pathological and histological features of 16 patients with antrochoanal polyps, who have been surgically treated by either an endoscopical or conventional approach. It has been found that allergy has no role in the aetiology of antrochoanal polyps. However, the majority of the patients have sinonasal disease. The most common pre-operative radiological finding is the mucocoele-like appearance, which has also been confirmed in surgery. It is remarkable that antrochoanal polyps have recurred in 4 out of 8 patients, who have underwent simple intranasal polypectomy and inferior turbinectomy. As compared to conventional technique, the endoscopic approach proves to be superior.