BALLOON SINUPLASTY

Balloon sinuplatyBlessed by the FDA in 2005, Balloon Sinuplasty is a safe, effective, minimally invasive sinus procedure performed by ENT doctors to provide long-term relief and faster recovery from sinus pain and sinus pressure associated with chronic sinusitis.

Unlike conventional sinus surgery, Balloon Sinuplasty preserves the normal anatomy of the sinuses and does not require the removal of bone and tissue.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BALLOON SINUPLASTY?

The following may make you a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty:

  • You have chronic sinusitis and struggle with symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, headaches, and chronic bad breath due to sinus issues.
  • You’ve had recurring acute sinus infections that have not responded well to medication.

An exam / discussion with an ENT will ultimately determine candidacy, and rule out cases involving nasal obstructions (e.g., nasal polyps, deviated septum), which can’t be helped by the procedure.

HOW IS BALLOON SINUPLASTY PERFORMED?

sinuplasty scanThe procedure is advanced to where it can be performed right in the ENT doctor’s office under local anesthesia, often with image guidance to precisely steer the balloon to the place where your sinuses are blocked.

The pre-procedure process can include a CT scan to create a visual map of your sinus anatomy.

When the anesthesia is in effect, the doctor inserts a small, flexible balloon catheter into the nose to reach the inflamed sinus(es).

The sinus balloon is slowly inflated to gently restructure and widen the walls of the sinus passageway while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining. Once widened, the nasal passage can now facilitate drainage of the excess mucus more readily.

HOW LONG IS RECOVERY?

Patients can drive themselves home after their Balloon Sinuplasty treatment, provided they have not received pre-sedative medication.

While recovery time varies with each patient, recovery is typically fast. In a study of in-office balloon dilation, most patients returned to work and normal activity within 2 days. Because it is an outpatient procedure, patients often feel capable of completing their normal daily activities within 12 hours.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BALLOON SINUPLASTY?

Balloon Sinuplasty is associated with high rates of success and low risk of complications. Benefits include:

  • Minimally invasive
  • Faster recovery time
  • No removal of tissue, bone, or cartilage
  • Fewer post-op appointments
  • Reduced need for anesthesia and pain medications
  • Reduced risk of post-op infection
  • Reduced risk of tissue or structure damage
  • Reduced risk of scarring and inflammation

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?

As with all medical procedures, there are risks of side effects. With Balloon Sinuplasty, these are usually mild and can include:

  • Bleeding and drainage for a few days post-op
  • Tenderness in the nose, cheeks, and forehead
  • Minor swelling in nasal cavities and sinuses
  • Temporary congestion

More severe side effects are rare.