Management of Nasal Polyposis through FESS: Surgical Outcomes and Challenges

FESS Outcomes in Nasal Polyposis Management

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in the management of nasal polyposis, focusing on symptom relief, quality of life improvement, and recurrence rates. Study Design: Retrospective study. Settings: ENT Department at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar Pakistan. Duration: January 2023 and March 2024. Methods: 100 patients diagnosed with nasal polyposis who underwent FESS. The study assessed pre-operative and post-operative outcomes using the NOSE (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation) score and SNOT-22 (Sinus and Nasal Outcome Test) score at 6 months (March 2024) and 12 months (March 2025) post-surgery. Data on recurrence rates and demographic details were also collected. Results: Significant improvements were observed in both NOSE and SNOT-22 scores. The mean NOSE score decreased from 74.3 pre-surgery to 38.4 at 6 months and 32.6 at 12 months. Similarly, the mean SNOT-22 score improved from 62.8 pre-surgery to 33.1 at 6 months and 28.7 at 12 months. The recurrence rate of nasal polyps was 12% at 6 months and 18% at 12 months. Paired t-tests showed statistically significant improvements in both scores (p < 0.001). Conclusion: FESS effectively improves symptoms of nasal obstruction and quality of life in patients with nasal polyposis, with significant improvements observed at both 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Although recurrence remains a challenge, FESS remains a highly effective treatment. Future research should focus on longer follow-up and the impact of co-morbidities.