ABSTRACT

Antrochoanal polyps (ACP) are unilateral nasal masses originating from the maxillary sinuses. We used the Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) for determining the quality of life before and after ACP were excised via surgery.

Forty ACP were excised by a combination surgery of powered instrument and canine fossa catheterization. We measured and compared SNOT-22 levels before and one month after the surgery.

A total of 22 male and 18 female subjects with unilateral ACP were included in the present study; 14 subjects were less than 20 years of age and the remaining subjects were between 15 and 68 years. The mean follow-up period was 34±20 months. No recurrence was observed in the follow-up period. The mean total preoperative SNOT-22 score was 50.61±19.21 and the mean postoperative SNOT-22 score was 16.80±10.75.

Combined powered surgery is a good alternative for ACP removal. Besides providing a clean surgical field, complete excision of the polyp prevents recurrences. This surgery significantly improved the quality of life, which was visible even after three years.