[Nasal polyps of olfactory sulcus]

Abstract

To explore the origin of olfactory sulcus polyp (OSP) and observe the recovery of olfaction after functional endoscopic sinus surgery, fifty-nine olfactory sulcus polyps in 31 patients were reviewed. The origin of OSP was carefully observed. In these patients 69.5% (41 sides) originated from the mucosa of posterior ethmoid sinus, including the superior meatus (23 sides) and ethmoid cells near the ostia (18 sides). OSP originated from middle turbinate (8 sides) and superior turbinate (4 sides). Six OSP originated from the mucosa of both ethmoid and sphenoid sinus. Olfactory changes were dynamically observed after endoscopic sinus surgery in 26 patients. The smell improved significantly in 26 sides (52.0%) within three months. The olfaction improved slowly in those patients with recurrent polyps and polysinusitis associated with polyps. We suggest that minimal endoscopic sinus surgery is the treatment of choice for OSP.