Choanal polyps: an evaluation of 53 cases

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience on the diagnosis and treatment of choanal polyps (CP).

Methods: This study consists of 53 patients with CP diagnosed by means of rhinoscopy, nasal endoscopy, computerized tomography, surgical, and histologic findings between 1996 and 2005.

Results: The origins of the CPs were the unilateral maxillary sinus in 47 patients, simultaneously bilateral maxillary sinus in 2 patients, septum in 2 patients, sphenoid sinus in I patient, anterior ethmoid sinus in 1 patient. The most common presenting symptoms were unilateral nasal obstruction, snoring, and rhinorrhea. In the cases of the antrochoanal polyps, the most common preoperative radiological finding was the total opacification of the maxillary sinus.

Conclusion: Endoscopic approach for complete removal of the CPs is an extremely safe and effective procedure. It should be focused on the detection of the exact origin and the extent of the polyp to prevent recurrence.