Priyanka Chopra, the renowned Indian actress, recently revealed that a nasal polyp surgery gone wrong nearly ended her acting career. During her debut appearance on The Howard Stern Show, Chopra discussed the traumatic experience, stating that the surgery had caused her face to look completely different, leading her into a deep depression. She also shared that she was fired from three different movies, and she believed that her career was over before it had even begun.
Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths that develop on the lining of nasal passages or sinuses, often due to chronic inflammation. They can lead to symptoms such as nasal blockage, discharge, facial pain, headache, and a loss of sense of smell. Although small nasal polyps may not cause any symptoms, larger growths or groups of polyps can lead to breathing difficulties, frequent infections, and other complications.
While medication can often shrink or eliminate nasal polyps, surgery may sometimes be necessary to remove them. According to Dr. Jaini Lodha Bhandari, a senior consultant ENT at Nanavati Max Superspeciality Hospital in Mumbai, surgery is only recommended when there is no response to medical management. Dr. Vijay Rangachari, an ENT surgeon at Manipal Hospital in Bangalore, explained that a nasal polyp surgery helps to remove blockage from the nasal cavity, a common problem caused by sinusitis and nose blockage.
However, nasal polyp surgery does carry risks, as Chopra’s experience shows. The supporting roof area of the nose can become infected after surgery, leading to drooping of the bridge of the nose and causing a saddle nose deformity that requires rhinoplasty to correct.
Chopra’s story highlights the importance of seeking timely consultation with an ENT specialist if experiencing any nasal symptoms. It also serves as a reminder of the potential risks and complications associated with any medical procedure, and the importance of weighing the potential benefits against the risks before undergoing surgery.