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Surgical Versus Medical Interventions in CRS and Nasal Polyps: Comparative Evidence Between Medical and Surgical Efficacy

  • Rhinosinusitis (J Mullol, Section Editor)
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Abstract

CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a subgroup of CRS, where polyps can be visualised in the middle meatus. In the general population, the prevalence is estimated to lie between 0.2 and 4 %. Up to 15 % of patients with asthma have nasal polyps and up to 45 % of patients with nasal polyps have asthma. The management of CRSwNP involves primary medical management, with surgery normally reserved for recalcitrant cases. Surgical techniques for CRSwNP range from simple polypectomy and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) to radical nasalisation with removal of the middle turbinates. We have reviewed the comparative literature regarding medical and surgical interventions in CRSwNP, with emphasis on outcomes, complications, cost-effectiveness and on the timing of surgery. Similar outcomes are reported for medical and surgical management, but there is sufficient evidence to support the role of surgery once symptoms have failed to adequately respond. There is insufficient evidence to define the optimal timing and extent of surgery.

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Drs. Dessouky and Hopkins declare no conflicts of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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  1. Department of ENT, Guy’s Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK

    Osama Dessouky & Claire Hopkins

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  1. Osama Dessouky
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Correspondence to Claire Hopkins.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Rhinosinusitis

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Dessouky, O., Hopkins, C. Surgical Versus Medical Interventions in CRS and Nasal Polyps: Comparative Evidence Between Medical and Surgical Efficacy. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 15, 66 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-015-0566-5

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