BALLOON SINUPLASTY

Who is a Good Candidate for this Minimally Invasive Procedure?

A good candidate for balloon sinuplasty typically is looking to treat chronic sinusitis or chronic rhinosinusitis and continues to experience sinus symptoms despite medications or other treatments. Persistent congestion, postnasal drip, sinus pressure, sinus headaches, facial pain, and difficulty breathing through the nasal passages may occur when inflammation blocks sinus passageways and disrupts normal sinus drainage. An ENT specialist will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and sinus cavities to determine whether you may benefit from this minimally invasive procedure. Patients with certain structural problems or extensive disease, including some cases involving nasal polyps, may require traditional sinus procedures instead.

Balloon sinuplasty may be appropriate when the goal is to open narrowed sinus passageways and restore normal sinus drainage without removing bone or tissue. During the procedure, a flexible balloon catheter is guided through the sinus passage and slowly inflated to widen the opening. Balloon sinuplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia, although local or general anesthesia may be used depending on the patient and treatment setting. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits, risks, and expected recovery process to determine whether you are a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty.

The Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty is an in-office procedure usually performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, your doctor will insert a tiny flashlight at the end of a wire into your sinus cavity. This light will make it easier for the doctor to see when he inserts a very slim and flexible balloon catheter into your sinus passage. The balloon will then be inflated to expand the sinus opening, restoring normal sinus drainage.

How is Balloon Sinuplasty Performed?

The doctor will flush out excess mucus or pus from the sinus cavity with saline. You will feel a decrease in pressure almost immediately. The doctor inserts the balloon and expands it using functional endoscopic dilatation. While the balloon is in the sinus passage, it gently restructures the bones around your sinuses, making more room for drainage. Once the process is complete, the doctor will remove the balloon leaving the sinus passage widened and the sinus free of pressure. After a balloon sinuplasty, most people can return to their normal activities immediately.

Balloon Catheter Sinusotomy Outcomes

Following the procedure, you might see some bloody drainage or discharge coming from your nose for about a week, and it is normal. Some patients also experience swelling, fatigue, congestion, or general postoperative pain. Within a week, all of these symptoms should be gone.

During the first 24 hours, you will be instructed not to blow your nose, and for the first week, you should avoid strenuous activity that will elevate your heart rate because it can cause nosebleeds. Sleeping with your head elevated for the first week will help to relieve discomfort from the drainage. The quickest way to recover is to follow the instructions from the doctor.

Schedule a Consultation For Your Medical Procedure

If chronic sinusitis, sinus pressure, congestion, postnasal drip, or other sinus symptoms are affecting your sinus walls, contact our office to learn whether balloon sinuplasty may be right for you. An ENT specialist can evaluate your sinus problems and determine whether this minimally invasive procedure may help open blocked sinus passageways and restore normal sinus drainage. Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms, treatment options, and whether you are a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty.