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A new study has found that asthma and antibiotic use at the time of initial endoscopic sinus surgery may increase the likelihood of nasal polyp recurrence, necessitating revision surgery. The research, published in Clinical and Translational Allergy, analyzed Finnish adults with chronic polypotic rhinosinusitis who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery between 2012 and 2018.
Key Findings
Nasal polyps, which are benign mucosal growths, can block the nostrils and contribute to chronic polypotic rhinosinusitis, a condition often treated with corticosteroids and, in severe cases, surgery. While endoscopic sinus surgery helps manage the disease, some patients experience recurrence requiring revision surgery.
The study included 3,506 patients aged 42 to 65, with 72% being male. Researchers tracked these individuals until the end of 2019 and found that 15.9% needed at least one revision surgery.
Key factors influencing revision surgery included:
- Asthma or antibiotic use at the time of initial surgery.
- Extensive initial surgery.
- Frequent use of oral corticosteroids before surgery.
- Younger age at the time of surgery.
For a 55-year-old male, the probability of revision surgery within three years was:
- 11% without asthma or antibiotic use.
- 16% with either asthma or antibiotic use.
- 23% with both conditions present.
Professor Sanna Salmi of the University of Eastern Finland, the study’s lead author, highlighted the link between severe chronic polypotic rhinosinusitis and asthma. She suggested that biologic treatments may be beneficial for patients with severe cases that are unresponsive to antibiotics, corticosteroids, or surgery.
Implications for Patients and Clinicians
The study underscores the importance of considering a patient’s asthma status and prior medication history when planning sinus surgery. Professor Salmi emphasized that patients should be informed about the potential for recurrence and the need for additional treatment options before deciding on surgery.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding chronic polypotic rhinosinusitis and potential treatment options.
For more information, refer to the full study: Sanna Toppila-Salmi et al., Predictors of revision endoscopic sinus surgery in Finnish patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, Clinical and Translational Allergy (2025). DOI: 10.1002/clt2.70032.
