[Nasal polyposis: long term functional results in 203 patients treated by ethmoidectomy combined with intranasal corticotherapy].
OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the long term quality of life in patients after ethmoidectomy associated with intranasal corticotherapy for nasal polyposis on the appreciation of the intensity of nasal symptoms. MATERIAL ET METHOD: The authors report their experience about 203 patients treated by endonasal endoscopic ethmoïdectomy intranasal followed by a long term intransal corticotherapy, with a mean follow up of six years. In this prospective study, each symptom was evaluated using an analogic visual scale and a questionnaire. The evolution of asthma after surgery and the patients global satisfactory rate were noted. RESULTS: There is a global improvement of the nasal symptoms with a mean postoperative individual scores calculated at 32% for nasal obstruction, at 34% for rhinorrhea and at 51% for anosmia. No impact on asthma or improvement of asthma was encountered in 92% of the patients. The patients global satisfactory rate of this medico-surgical approach of the disease is 93.6%. A positive correlation was found between the severity of the olfactory disorders and the oral corticosteroid therapy. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic endonasal ethmoïdectomy followed by intranasal corticotherapy represents a valuable protocol in treating patients with severe nasal polyposis.