Anaphylaxis in a Patient Undergoing FESS for Nasal Polyposis: Revisting Samter’s Triad

Patients with nasal polyposis frequently have associated bronchial asthma and hypersensitivity to Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). When the three conditions co-exist, it is referred to as the Samter’s triad. Patients with Samter’s triad are an important subset of those with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). We present a case of a young female patient undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for nasal polyps, who although did not show any other features of AERD, went on to develop florid anaphylaxis to diclofenac administration intra-operatively. After adequate resuscitation and intensive care stay, the patient made a complete recovery. NSAIDs must be avoided in patients with nasal polyps, despite showing no other features of this syndrome. Other analgesic agents that can be used include IV paracetamol and opioids like tramadol.