Sinus polyps surgery is a type of ENT surgery that focuses on improving how the nose and sinuses function, particularly in people living with chronic sinus disease and nasal polyps. At Melbourne ENT in St Kilda East, Victoria, this surgery is performed by specialist ENT and Head & Neck Surgeons, Dr Stephen Kleid and Dr Simon Braham.
The aim of sinus polyps surgery is to help people who experience persistent nasal blockage, facial pressure or pain, reduced sense of smell, post nasal drip and recurrent sinus infections that have not responded well to appropriate medications. By opening the sinus passages and removing obstructing polyps, surgery can support better airflow, improved drainage and more effective use of ongoing treatments such as sprays and rinses.
Care at Melbourne ENT is based on careful assessment, clear explanation and shared decision making. You will have the chance to discuss your symptoms, your goals and any concerns you may have. The information below is intended as a general guide only and does not replace personalised advice from a qualified medical practitioner. A face to face consultation is essential before deciding whether sinus polyps surgery is suitable for you.
What Is Sinus Polyps Surgery
Sinus polyps surgery, often called endoscopic sinus surgery or functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), is an operation performed inside the nose to remove nasal and sinus polyps and to open the natural drainage pathways of the paranasal sinuses. It is a minimally invasive technique that uses slender telescopes and specialised instruments rather than external cuts.
Nasal and sinus polyps are soft, non cancerous swellings of the lining of the nose and sinuses. They are commonly associated with chronic inflammation, allergy, asthma or aspirin sensitivity. When they enlarge, polyps can fill the nasal cavity, block airflow and obstruct the narrow channels that allow mucus to drain from the sinuses. This can lead to a constant feeling of congestion, a heavy or pressure sensation in the face, a reduced sense of smell and recurrent infections.
During sinus polyps surgery, the surgeon introduces an endoscope through the nostrils. The endoscope is attached to a camera that projects a magnified image onto a screen. Under direct vision, the surgeon removes polyps and carefully widens the sinus openings to restore a more natural pattern of ventilation and drainage. The intention is not to change the shape of the external nose but to improve the internal function of the nasal and sinus passages.
For many patients, sinus polyps surgery forms part of a broader management plan that includes ongoing medical therapy, allergy control and regular follow up. It is not a cure for the underlying tendency to develop polyps, but it can significantly improve symptoms and make long term treatment easier and more effective.
Who Needs It (Candidates For Sinus Polyps Surgery)
Most people with sinus and nasal symptoms are first managed with medications such as nasal steroid sprays, saline rinses and sometimes short courses of oral medications. Sinus polyps surgery is generally considered when these measures have been tried consistently and symptoms remain troublesome.
You may be a candidate for sinus polyps surgery if you have chronic nasal obstruction that makes it difficult to breathe through your nose, if you feel blocked all the time or rely heavily on mouth breathing, especially at night. Some people experience a sense of fullness or pressure in the cheeks, forehead or between the eyes, often worse during infections or when lying down. Others notice a marked reduction in their sense of smell or taste that does not improve despite regular use of sprays and medical treatment.
Recurrent sinus infections are another common reason for referral. This may mean repeated episodes requiring antibiotics, prolonged courses of symptoms that last for many weeks, or flare ups that recur as soon as medications are stopped. In some patients, CT scans of the sinuses reveal extensive polyps filling the nasal cavity and sinuses, with narrowed or blocked drainage pathways and thickened sinus lining.
Your ENT surgeon will also consider your general health, your previous medical and surgical history, and the impact of your symptoms on day to day life. For example, chronic sinus disease may interfere with work, study, sleep quality, exercise tolerance or the ability to use CPAP for obstructive sleep apnoea. A careful history and examination, often combined with nasal endoscopy and CT imaging, helps determine whether ENT surgery is likely to provide meaningful benefit in your circumstances or whether non surgical options should be continued or optimised.
Benefits Of Sinus Polyps Surgery
The benefits of sinus polyps surgery relate chiefly to improved nasal and sinus function. For many people, one of the most noticeable changes is a reduction in the sensation of constant blockage. When obstructing polyps and diseased tissue are removed and the sinus openings are widened, air can move more freely through the nose. This can make breathing feel easier during the day and may reduce mouth breathing during sleep.
Another significant potential benefit is improved sinus drainage. Healthy sinuses need small but open pathways to allow mucus to flow out and air to circulate. When these openings are blocked, mucus can stagnate and infections can develop more easily. Surgery aims to restore these pathways so that mucus can clear more normally. Over time, this may help reduce the frequency and severity of sinus infections and limit the need for repeated antibiotic or steroid courses.
Some patients notice improvements in facial pressure, headache patterns related to sinus disease and post nasal drip. In certain cases, the sense of smell and taste may also improve once swelling is reduced and airflow to the smell receptors is restored. However, the degree of smell recovery varies, especially in people who have had long standing inflammation that has affected the nerve pathways involved in olfaction.
An important long term advantage of sinus polyps surgery is that it can make ongoing medical treatment more effective. Once the sinuses are more open, topical therapies such as steroid sprays and medicated saline rinses can reach the lining of the sinuses more directly. This can help keep inflammation under better control and may reduce the risk of polyp recurrence or at least limit its impact.
It is essential to understand that sinus polyps surgery is not a permanent cure for the underlying condition, which is usually driven by chronic inflammation. Rather, it is a key step in an ongoing management strategy that combines surgery with medical therapy, lifestyle adjustments and regular review. Your surgeon will carefully explain the likely benefits in your particular situation, including what is realistic and what remains uncertain.
Consultation For Sinus Polyps Surgery
The consultation is an important step in determining whether sinus polyps surgery is appropriate. At Melbourne ENT, your first visit with Dr Stephen Kleid or Dr Simon Braham is designed to gather a detailed history, perform a targeted examination and discuss the full range of treatment options.
During this appointment, you will be asked about the nature, duration and pattern of your symptoms. This may include questions about nasal blockage, discharge, facial pain or pressure, sense of smell, snoring, sleep quality, previous sinus infections and any impact on work or daily activities. Your medical history, including allergies, asthma, aspirin sensitivity, previous surgeries and current medications, will also be reviewed.
A physical examination of the head and neck is then carried out. In many cases, a small rigid or flexible endoscope is used to look inside the nose under local anaesthetic spray. This allows the surgeon to visualise polyps, swelling, structural deviations, crusting or other features that are not visible externally. If you have had a CT scan of the sinuses, it is helpful to bring the images and report with you. If not, your surgeon may arrange a scan to gain further detail about the anatomy and extent of disease.
The consultation also provides time for discussion about treatment options. Your surgeon will explain the role of ongoing medical therapy, including nasal steroid sprays, saline rinses and any other relevant medications. If surgery is recommended, the type and extent of ENT surgery will be explained, such as which sinuses are likely to be addressed and whether procedures like septoplasty or turbinate surgery are advised at the same time.
You will be encouraged to ask questions about the operation, anaesthesia, hospital stay, recovery, potential risks and likely long term plan. Written information is often provided to take home, giving you the opportunity to reflect and discuss matters further with family, carers or your GP before deciding how to proceed.
How Is It Performed (Surgery For Sinus Polyps)
Sinus polyps surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic in a private hospital. This means you are fully asleep and monitored throughout the procedure by an experienced anaesthetist and nursing team.
Once you are under anaesthesia, the surgeon introduces an endoscope into the nasal cavity. The endoscope is attached to a camera that transmits a magnified view of the internal structures to a monitor. Using this detailed view, the surgeon guides specialised instruments along the natural passages of the nose and gently removes polyps and other obstructing tissue. Small bony partitions around the sinus openings may be reshaped or removed to create a more open pathway for ventilation and drainage.
The entire procedure is performed through the nostrils, so there are no external facial cuts or visible scars. In some cases, sinus surgery is combined with septoplasty to straighten a deviated nasal septum, or with turbinate reduction to decrease the size of swollen turbinates that can also contribute to nasal blockage. These additional procedures are tailored to your individual anatomy and will be discussed with you before surgery as part of the consent process.
The duration of the operation depends on several factors, including the number of sinuses involved, the extent of polyps and inflammation, whether this is your first sinus surgery or a revision, and whether additional nasal procedures are undertaken at the same time. Your surgeon will give you an approximate timeframe in advance, while noting that this can vary in practice.
At the end of the procedure, soft dissolving materials or dressings may be placed inside the nose to help reduce bleeding and support healing. In some circumstances, temporary nasal packs are required and will be removed after a short period in hospital or at an early follow up visit. You are then transferred to the recovery unit and later to a ward or discharge area, where your initial post operative course is monitored. Some people return home the same day, while others stay overnight, depending on the extent of surgery and their general health.
Recovery After Sinus Polyps Surgery
Recovery from sinus polyps surgery occurs over several weeks, with gradual improvement in breathing and comfort as the tissues heal. It is helpful to understand what is usually considered normal during this period and what signs should prompt earlier review.
In the first few days, it is common to feel congested and blocked, similar to having a heavy cold. There may be mild blood stained discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat. Many patients describe a sense of pressure or fullness in the nose, cheeks or forehead rather than sharp pain. Pain relief is usually managed with medications recommended by your surgeon, and you will receive guidance on when to start saline sprays or rinses and any other nasal treatments.
During the first week, you will generally be advised to rest at home, avoid strenuous exercise and refrain from heavy lifting or bending that significantly increases pressure in the head. Forceful nose blowing is usually discouraged. Sleeping with your head slightly raised may make you more comfortable and can help reduce swelling. Some people feel more tired than usual and find it useful to plan for a lighter schedule.
By the second and third weeks, many patients notice that their breathing begins to improve intermittently, although congestion and crusting may still be present. Regular saline rinses and any prescribed steroid sprays become an important part of daily care and help keep the nasal passages moist and clean. Follow up appointments are scheduled so your surgeon can inspect the healing sinuses and gently remove any crusts or dried mucus under endoscopic guidance. This is a routine part of post operative care and helps support good long term outcomes.
Most people can return to office based work within about one to two weeks, although some choose to take longer, especially if their symptoms were severe before surgery or if they have physically demanding roles. High intensity exercise, contact sports and activities that may risk direct trauma to the nose are postponed for several weeks and should be reintroduced only after specific advice at a review visit. Flying and significant altitude changes may need to be postponed until your surgeon confirms that the sinuses are adequately healed.
Internal healing continues beyond the initial weeks. It can take several months before the nasal lining returns to a more stable state. The full benefits of surgery in terms of fewer infections and improved long term control may not be fully apparent immediately. Ongoing adherence to medical therapy, including sprays and rinses, and attendance at recommended follow up appointments are vital components of recovery. If you notice heavy bleeding, sudden severe pain, persistent high fever, changes in vision or clear watery fluid from the nose, you should seek prompt medical attention.
Risks And Complications Of Sinus Polyps Surgery
All surgical procedures involve some degree of risk, and sinus polyps surgery is no exception. Understanding these risks helps you weigh up the potential benefits of ENT surgery against the possible downsides and make an informed decision that aligns with your values and circumstances.
Common short term effects include nasal discomfort, congestion, mild bleeding and crusting as the tissues heal. Many patients experience temporary changes in their sense of smell and taste, which may gradually improve as swelling subsides. Some sense of pressure or fullness in the cheeks, forehead or around the eyes can also occur in the early stages. These issues are usually self limiting and managed with routine post operative care.
Less common complications include infection that requires antibiotic treatment, more significant nosebleeds that may need further intervention, and formation of scar tissue or adhesions inside the nose. Adhesions can occasionally bridge structures that should remain separate and may narrow the nasal passages or sinus openings again, sometimes requiring additional minor procedures to correct. Despite technically successful surgery, some patients continue to experience sinus symptoms, and others may develop recurrent polyps over time, particularly when underlying inflammatory conditions remain active.
Rare but more serious complications relate to the anatomical proximity of the sinuses to the eyes and brain. These risks include injury to the eye or surrounding structures, which may affect vision or eye movement, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the nose and, in very rare circumstances, serious infections such as meningitis or abscess formation. Such complications are uncommon, but they are recognised in sinus surgery and must be considered when planning any operation in this region.
Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you in the context of your specific anatomy, medical history and radiological findings, and will describe the precautions taken to minimise them, such as detailed preoperative imaging, careful surgical technique and appropriate postoperative monitoring. Written information is usually provided, and you are encouraged to ask questions and take time to consider your decision before providing consent.
Cost Of Sinus Polyps Surgery
The overall cost of sinus polyps surgery varies between individuals and depends on several factors. These include the complexity of your sinus disease, whether additional ENT procedures such as septoplasty or turbinate surgery are performed at the same time, the hospital where the surgery takes place, and the fees charged by the surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital. In some cases, there may also be costs related to pathology services if tissue samples are analysed.
At Melbourne ENT, you will receive a written estimate of fees before surgery is booked. This estimate is designed to outline the surgeon’s fee and to indicate which components may attract a Medicare rebate, along with any anticipated out of pocket expenses related to that fee. It is important to remember that hospital charges and anaesthetist fees are separate and may not be fully detailed on the surgeon’s estimate.
Because private health insurance policies and rebate structures differ widely, patients are encouraged to contact their health fund and the hospital directly for up to date information. These organisations can advise whether your level of cover includes the proposed ENT surgery, whether an excess or co payment applies, and what proportion of the hospital and theatre fees is likely to be paid by the insurer.
People without private health insurance may still discuss options for treatment with the practice, including self funded surgery. In such cases, approximate cost information is provided to assist with planning, but specific amounts are best confirmed with the hospital and other providers directly.
Medicare Coverage And Insurance
Sinus polyps surgery is typically undertaken to treat chronic sinus disease and nasal polyps that meet defined clinical criteria. In these circumstances, the procedure may be associated with Medicare item numbers that attract a rebate when performed by an appropriately qualified specialist. If you have private hospital insurance, your fund may also contribute to some of the costs, depending on your level of cover and any waiting periods or restrictions.
The exact item numbers that apply depend on the nature of the surgery performed, including which sinuses are involved and whether additional nasal procedures are undertaken at the same time. The staff at Melbourne ENT can usually provide details of the item numbers that are expected to be used for your planned procedure, based on your surgeon’s recommendations.
However, Medicare rebate amounts and private health insurance benefits are determined by government schedules and by each individual insurer. These arrangements can change over time. It is therefore important for you to contact Medicare and your health fund directly before surgery to confirm your entitlements. They can explain what portion of the surgeon and anaesthetist fees may be rebated and what out of pocket costs are likely, as well as any exclusions or waiting periods that might apply to hospital admission.
For patients without private hospital cover, options for management in the public system can be discussed with your GP, and the surgeons can advise whether public waiting lists or alternative pathways may be appropriate, bearing in mind that waiting times and access to specific facilities can vary.
Why Choose Your Surgeon
Choosing a surgeon involves more than reviewing qualifications. It also includes considering experience, communication style and how well you feel your concerns are heard and addressed. At Melbourne ENT, sinus polyps surgery is provided by two ENT and Head & Neck Surgeons who are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and who have many years of experience in the assessment and management of nasal and sinus conditions.
Dr Stephen Kleid completed his medical training at the University of Melbourne and went on to undertake extensive specialist training in ear, nose and throat surgery across major Melbourne hospitals. He later completed a fellowship in ENT and head and neck tumour surgery at the University of Florida. Over his career, he has held senior roles in the management of complex head and neck conditions, while also maintaining a broad ENT practice that includes nasal, sinus, throat and sleep related surgery.
Dr Simon Braham graduated with honours from Monash University and completed general surgical training before specialising in ENT and Head & Neck Surgery. He undertook further advanced training overseas and has worked in both public and private practice since the early 2000s. His practice includes paediatric ENT, nasal and sinus surgery, snoring and sleep apnoea procedures and voice disorder management. He holds public appointments at recognised Victorian hospitals and consults at several locations, including Masada Private Hospital and Sunbury.
At Melbourne ENT, the approach is patient centred and evidence based. Time is taken to obtain a thorough history, perform appropriate examination and review imaging. Treatment recommendations are tailored to your individual needs and preferences, and surgery is suggested only when it is considered clinically appropriate and when non surgical approaches have been adequately explored. The surgeons work closely with your GP and other relevant specialists, such as allergists and respiratory physicians, to support coordinated care for your upper airway health.
FAQs About Sinus Polyps Surgery
Will Sinus Polyps Surgery Change The Way My Voice Sounds Day To Day?
Most people do not notice a major change in their speaking voice after sinus polyps surgery. Some patients feel that their voice sounds less nasal or less blocked, especially if they had very congested nasal passages before the operation. This is usually experienced as a positive change. Singers and professional voice users may perceive subtle differences in resonance as airflow patterns adjust during healing, but these effects tend to settle as swelling reduces and the nose stabilises. If you rely heavily on your voice for your work or hobbies, it is helpful to mention this to your surgeon so that it can be taken into account and discussed in more detail.
If My Polyps Come Back, Does That Mean The Surgery Has Failed?
The development of nasal polyps is often linked to underlying inflammatory tendencies, allergy or other systemic conditions, and this tendency does not disappear completely with surgery. The purpose of sinus polyps surgery is to remove existing disease, improve airflow and drainage, and make the nose and sinuses easier to treat in the future. If polyps recur, it does not automatically mean that the operation has failed. In many cases, any new polyps are smaller and more accessible to sprays, rinses and other medical therapies because the anatomy is more open. Revision surgery may be recommended in selected cases, but this decision is based on your symptoms, examination findings and quality of life rather than on the presence of polyps alone.
Can I Still Use Nasal Sprays And Rinses After Surgery Or Will They No Longer Be Needed?
Most patients continue to use nasal sprays and rinses after surgery, often as a key part of their long term maintenance plan. Rather than replacing medications, sinus polyps surgery is intended to make these treatments work better by allowing them to reach the areas where inflammation occurs. Saline rinses help keep the nose and sinuses clean and moist, especially while healing, and steroid based sprays or medicated irrigations may be recommended for ongoing control of inflammation. Your exact regimen will be tailored to your individual situation and may change over time as your condition stabilises.
How Will I Know The Difference Between Normal Post Operative Symptoms And A Problem That Needs Urgent Attention?
Some discomfort, congestion, mild blood stained discharge and fatigue are common after sinus surgery and usually improve gradually. It is expected that your nose may feel blocked and that you may notice small clots or crusts as healing progresses. Warning signs that should prompt earlier contact with your surgeon or with medical services include heavy bleeding that does not stop, sudden severe pain, marked swelling or redness around the eye, changes in vision, a persistent high fever or clear watery fluid leaking from the nose, especially on one side. You will be given written instructions and contact details to guide you, and it is always reasonable to seek advice if you are unsure whether a symptom is normal.
I Work In A Dusty Or Fume Filled Environment – Will This Affect My Recovery Or Long Term Outcome?
Exposure to dust, smoke or chemical fumes can irritate the delicate lining of the nose and sinuses, particularly while healing. If you work in an environment with significant airborne irritants, your surgeon may recommend a longer period away from that setting in the immediate post operative phase to give tissues time to recover. In the longer term, strict use of protective equipment such as well fitting masks or respirators, and efforts to minimise exposure where possible, can be very important in supporting a good outcome. Providing detailed information about your work environment during the consultation allows your surgeon to give more personalised advice about timing, safety and protective measures.
Can Sinus Polyps Surgery Have Any Impact On My Asthma Or Breathing Through The Chest?
In some people, particularly those with a recognised link between nasal polyps, sinus inflammation and asthma, bringing the sinus disease under better control can have indirect benefits for chest symptoms. Improved nasal airflow and reduced post nasal drip may lessen irritation of the lower airways and can sometimes make asthma feel easier to manage. However, sinus surgery is not a direct treatment for asthma or other lung conditions, and regular care with your GP and respiratory specialist remains essential. It is helpful if all members of your treating team are aware of the planned surgery so that your overall airway health can be managed in a coordinated way.
Is There Anything I Can Do Before Surgery To Give Myself The Best Chance Of A Smooth Recovery?
Several practical steps can support your recovery from sinus polyps surgery. If you smoke, reducing or stopping smoking can improve healing and reduce irritation of the nasal lining. Following your surgeon’s instructions about managing existing medications, including blood thinners, is important for safety. Planning ahead by arranging some help at home in the early days, setting aside time away from work or study, and making sure you have supplies of saline solutions and recommended pain relief can make the immediate post operative period more comfortable. Maintaining good general health, including sensible nutrition, hydration and sleep, in the weeks leading up to surgery can also contribute to a smoother experience. Discussing these measures with your surgeon allows you to develop a personalised plan.
Book A Consultation
If you are living with ongoing sinus symptoms, nasal polyps or chronic nasal blockage and would like to explore whether sinus polyps surgery or other forms of ENT surgery might be appropriate, a consultation at Melbourne ENT is an important next step. A current referral from your GP or another specialist is needed to access Medicare rebates for your appointment.
During your visit, you will have the opportunity to describe your symptoms in detail, undergo a focused examination and review any existing scans. Your surgeon will explain the findings, outline all suitable treatment options and answer your questions so that you can make an informed decision.
To arrange an appointment with Melbourne ENT in St Kilda East, you can contact the rooms of Dr Stephen Kleid or Dr Simon Braham by phone or visit the Melbourne ENT contact page for further information about clinic locations and booking arrangements.
Further Reading
- Read more about Septoplasty Melbourne – Deviated Nasal Septum Correction
- Read more about Turbinoplasty – Enlarged Turbinate Surgery in Melbourne
- Read more about Allergic Rhinitis Melbourne
- Read more about Chronic Rhinosinusitis Melbourne
- Read more about Sinusitis Melbourne
- Read more about Cancer Surgery – Head & Neck
