Historyczne spojrzenie na leczenie polipów nosa. Polscy lekarze wobec tego problemu - część I

View on the problem of nasal polyps and their treatment in historical perspective are presented with full particulars. Achievements of Hippocrates, Celsus, Paulus of Aegina, Avicenna, Fallopius, Fabricius ab Acquapendente, André Levret, Percival Pott, Pierre Joseph Desault, Charles Bell and others are depicted. Pathophysiology of nasal polyposis historically is mentioned. Destruction of nasal polyps by chemical compounds were recommended before the surgical treatment. The abrasion of polyps by sponge mentioned by Hippocrates was used also in 19th century. A rough method removal of nasal polyps by forceps usually without use of sight was condemned by Polish physicians.