BALLOON SINUPLASTY
What exactly is balloon sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is a non-surgical procedure conducted in the office for the treatment of chronic sinusitis. It employs the use of an endoscope or a balloon catheter, both of which are flexible and can be easily navigated through your nostril to the affected sinus cavity. This procedure is minimally invasive, resulting in less trauma. Consequently, recovery is faster compared to surgery, and postoperative pain is significantly reduced.
What triggers chronic sinusitis?
Your sinuses are air-filled spaces within your facial bones. Mucus is produced by membranes inside each sinus, which drains into your nose through a small opening. Normally, this mucus moisturizes and warms the air as it passes through your nose. Sinusitis commences when the membranes in your sinuses get inflamed due to allergies or a viral infection. The inflammation causes the opening to block, trapping mucus inside the sinus, leading to acute sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis occurs when your sinusitis persists for more than 12 weeks. It’s caused by persistent inflammation despite the resolution of the acute infection. Often, chronic sinusitis doesn’t respond to conventional medical treatments, making balloon sinuplasty an excellent alternative.
What signs suggest I might require balloon sinuplasty?
Chronic sinusitis presents symptoms such as nasal congestion, thick discolored nasal discharge, sinus pain and pressure, headaches, and fatigue. If these symptoms persist despite conventional treatments, your doctor may suggest balloon sinuplasty.
How is balloon sinuplasty carried out?
A local anesthetic is applied by your doctor, followed by insertion of the endoscope through a nostril. The endoscope is equipped with a medical-grade balloon and has integrated lighting and a high-definition video camera, allowing your doctor to have a magnified view of your nasal passages. After directing the scope to the blocked sinus opening, your doctor inflates the balloon. The pressure from the balloon reopens the sinus and the sinus is flushed to remove excess mucus. Then the balloon is deflated and removed. One of the major advantages of balloon sinuplasty — besides reinstating normal sinus drainage — is that the inflated balloon reshapes the opening. Consequently, the sinus remains open long after the balloon has been removed. For most patients, the results of a balloon sinuplasty last at least a year. If you are dealing with chronic congestion and wish to find out if you’re a suitable candidate for balloon sinuplasty, give us a call to schedule an appointment.