The role of steroid injection in the management of sinonasal polyps.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review treatment options for sinonasal polyps, focusing on the role of steroids and, specifically, intrapolyp steroid injection. History of steroid injections, comparison to other medical and surgical treatments, as well as the risks and safety of injections are all discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS: A panoply of methods exists to treat sinonasal polyps. Recently, studies have begun to elucidate the pathophysiology of polyp formation as well as the specific mechanisms by which steroids act to reduce polyp formation. Steroids can be delivered orally, topically or via injection directly into the polyp. Each of these methods offers different advantages and disadvantages, which are reviewed in this paper.

SUMMARY: Sinonasal polyps can have a severe affect on patients' quality of life. While there are several tools available to the otolaryngologist to help manage these polyps, steroids remain the cornerstone of medical therapy for this condition. Traditionally, steroids have been delivered systemically via oral medication or locally via topical washes and sprays. Steroid injection represents a potential method to deliver a high concentration of this antiinflammatory medication to a local area. Over the years, intranasal steroid injections have come in and out of favor. Here, we review the various management options for sinonasal polyps, and focus on existing data regarding intrapolyp steroid injections.