The efficacy of preoperative short course of oral steroids followed by postoperative topical nasal steroids sprays on followed by postoperative topical nasal steroids sprays on nasal polyp recurrence after endoscopic nasal polypectomy

Abstract EN

Objective : To evaluate the effect of preoperative short course of oral steroids followed by postoperative topical nasal steroids sprays on nasal polyp recurrence after endoscopic nasal polypectomy.

Methods : Sixty patients of both genders with symptoms and signs of nasal polyps were included in this prospective study between January 2004 and December 2007.

Their ages ranged between 18 and 60 years.

The sample was divided into two groups.

Group I constituted 30 patients treated by endoscopic nasal polypectomy without oral and local steroid therapy.

Group II consisted of 30 patients also treated by endoscopic nasal polypectomy but received preoperatively 60mg prednisolone tablets daily for one week and postoperatively topical nasal steroid spray (Mometasone furoate suspension) for three months.

All patients were followed up for at least one year.

Recurrence of nasal polyps was assessed endoscopically at three, six and 12 months after surgery.

Any evidence of nasal polyps-formation of whatever size was considered as recurrence.

Results : Sixty patients (39 males and 21 females) with sinonasal polyposis were included in this study.

Male to female ratio was 2 : 1.

Patients’ age ranged from 18 to 60 years ; median age was 42 years.

Recurrence rates at three, six and 12 months after surgery for the first group of patients were 10% (3 patients), 23% (7 patients) and 40% (12 patients) accordingly, while the recurrence rates for the second group were 3% (1 patient), 7% (2 patients) and 13% (4 patients) accordingly.

Conclusions : Preoperative short course of oral steroid followed by postoperative nasal steroid spray show significant reduction in the recurrence rate of nasal polyps after endoscopic nasal polypectomy.