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Objectives: We evaluated the efficacy of combined medical treatment in cases with bilateral nasal polyposis without a history of any surgical or medical treatment.
Patients and Methods: Twenty-five patients (19 males, 6 females; mean age 45 years; range 30 to 60 years) who had not received any treatment for bilateral nasal polyposis were included. Treatment was comprised of an oral anti-histaminic agent (single dose daily for 3 weeks), and a topical steroid (as a nasal spray, twice daily for 6 months) and a single dose of intramuscular systemic steroid. Patients who did not respond to this therapy at the end of three weeks were administered a macrolide antibiotic (clarithromycin). The results were evaluated before treatment, and three weeks and six months after treatment with the use of a patient questionnaire, computed tomography and endoscopic examination findings.
Results: The patients’ complaints improved by 85.5% and 79% at the end of three weeks and six months, respectively (p<0.005). Radiologic improvement was found to be 64% at the end of six months (p<0.005). The overall decrease in the size of the polyps was significant (p<0.005). No treatment-associated complications were encountered.
Conclusion: Significant improvement achieved favors the use of combined medical treatment before surgery in selected patients with nasal polyposis.