Management of Nasal Polyposis through FESS: Surgical Outcomes and Challenges

Saeed khan; Muhammad Arif; Waqar Nasir; Allah Noor; Johar Iqbal

doi:10.29054/apmc/2025.1787

Saeed khan Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar
Muhammad Arif Department of ENT, MTI-Hayatabad Medical Comples Peshawar
Waqar Nasir Department of ENT, MTI-Hayatabad Medical Comples Peshawar
Allah Noor Department of ENT, MTI-Hayatabad Medical Comples Peshawar
Johar Iqbal Department of ENT, MTI-Hayatabad Medical Comples Peshawar

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2025.1787

Keywords: nasal polyposis, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, NOSE score, SNOT-22 score, recurrence rate

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.

Methodology: This retrospective study included 100 patients diagnosed with nasal polyposis who underwent FESS between January 2023 and March 2024. 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.