Nasal Polyp Removal Gangnam Seoul | English-Speaking ENT

What is nasal polyp removal?

Nasal polyps are soft, painless, teardrop-shaped swellings of inflamed sinus lining. They are usually benign and linked to chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, a type 2 inflammatory condition that is often associated with asthma or aspirin sensitivity. Nasal polyp removal (polypectomy) is performed endoscopically through the nostrils. In most cases, it is done together with endoscopic sinus surgery, because polyps arise from the sinuses and opening those cavities improves drainage and allows topical medications to reach the lining.

Who is it for?

Medical therapy comes first. Surgery is considered for patients with nasal polyps who still have:

Persistent nasal blockage despite steroid sprays and, where appropriate, a short course of oral steroids
Loss of smell that has not improved
Recurrent sinus infections or facial pressure from chronic sinusitis
One-sided polyps, which must be examined and sampled to exclude a tumor such as inverted papilloma

How it is done at our Gangnam clinic

As a former Yonsei clinical assistant professor in rhinology with endoscopic sinus surgery training at Jikei University, Dr. Kim Yoo Suk plans each operation from endoscopic findings and a sinus CT scan. When polyps are removed with endoscopic sinus surgery at the clinic, the source protocol applies:

Local anesthesia, with same-day discharge
About 30 minutes for one side, about 1 hour for both sides
Absorbable packing, with packing kept for 1 day
Antibiotics for 1 week

Removed tissue is sent for pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis.

Recovery and aftercare

Crusting usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks, and weekly follow-up visits allow endoscopic cleaning. Saline irrigation keeps the cavities clean. Most importantly, a long-term plan, usually topical steroids and periodic endoscopic review, helps keep polyps from returning. Patients with asthma should continue coordinated care for their lower airways.

For people with severe, repeatedly recurring polyps despite surgery and steroids, newer biologic medications that target type 2 inflammation are used in some settings; whether they are appropriate depends on your disease pattern, asthma status and local availability, and they can be discussed at follow-up.

Why not simply snip the polyps?

Removing only the visible polyp in the nasal cavity, without opening the sinuses it grows from, tends to bring shorter relief. Combining polyp removal with sinus surgery creates wider openings so rinses and sprays can reach the inflamed lining afterward.

Risks and limitations

Recurrence is the main limitation: nasal polyps reflect ongoing inflammation, and surgery does not switch that off. Smell may improve but is not guaranteed to return fully. Surgical risks include bleeding, infection, adhesions and, rarely, injury to the eye socket or skull base. Report vision changes, eye swelling, or clear watery nasal drainage immediately.

Practical information for foreign patients

The same-day testing, consultation and surgery pathway suits visitors, but plan for weekly checkups during crusting if possible. Pathology results and written aftercare can be explained in English. Read about Dr. Kim's rhinology background and the clinic's support for international patients.

Are nasal polyps cancerous?

Typical bilateral nasal polyps are benign inflammatory growths. However, a polyp on only one side, or one that bleeds, needs careful evaluation and tissue sampling to exclude a tumor. All removed tissue is sent for pathology.

Can nasal polyps be treated without surgery?

Often, yes. Steroid nasal sprays, saline rinses and sometimes short oral steroid courses can shrink polyps and improve symptoms. Surgery is considered when these measures fail or complications develop. Dr. Kim discusses medical options first.

Will my sense of smell return after polyp removal?

Many patients notice improved smell once polyps are removed and airflow reaches the smell area, but recovery varies and is not guaranteed. Long-standing smell loss may recover only partially. Ongoing anti-inflammatory treatment helps maintain any improvement.

Gangnam Yonsei ENT Clinic

Nasal Polyp Removal in Gangnam, Seoul