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What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis. It involves the use of a small balloon catheter that is inserted through the nostril and guided to the blocked sinus passages. The balloon is then inflated to widen the opening of the sinus, and then deflated and removed. This procedure can be done in the office under local anesthesia.

The main advantage of balloon sinuplasty is that it is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery and has a shorter recovery time. It is a relatively simple and quick procedure that can be done in an outpatient setting, and most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two.

The procedure itself is typically performed using a local anesthetic to numb the nasal passages. A small, flexible guide catheter is inserted through the nostril and guided to the blocked sinus. A small balloon is then advanced over the guide catheter and positioned at the site of the blockage. The balloon is then inflated to gently open the blocked sinus passage and allow for improved drainage. Once the balloon is deflated and removed, the sinus is irrigated to flush out any debris or mucus that may be present.

Balloon sinuplasty has been found to be a safe and effective treatment for chronic sinusitis. However, as with any procedure, there are potential risks and complications. These include bleeding, infection, or injury to the nose or surrounding structures. The procedure is not suitable for everyone, and your doctor will help you determine if it is the right option for you.

It is important to understand that while balloon sinuplasty can help to relieve symptoms of chronic sinusitis, it is not a cure for the condition. The procedure is intended to improve the drainage of the sinuses and reduce inflammation, but it does not address the underlying causes of the condition such as allergies or structural abnormalities. Therefore, patients may need to continue with management of underlying conditions and follow-up care to maintain the benefits of the procedure.

How is Balloon Sinuplasty Performed?

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis. It is performed under local anesthesia, and typically takes between 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the number and complexity of the blocked sinuses. The procedure is performed as follows:

  1. Local Anesthesia: The patient will receive local anesthesia in the form of a nasal spray or gel to numb the area and make the procedure more comfortable.
  2. Insertion of guide catheter: A small, flexible guide catheter is inserted through the nostril and guided to the blocked sinus. The guide catheter is equipped with a small camera and light that allows the doctor to see inside the sinus.
  3. Advancing the balloon catheter: A small balloon catheter is advanced over the guide catheter and positioned at the site of the blockage. The balloon is then inflated to gently open the blocked sinus passage and allow for improved drainage.
  4. Deflating and removing the balloon: Once the balloon has been inflated, the doctor will deflate it and remove it. The newly opened sinus passage will be flushed with saline to remove any debris or mucus that may be present.
  5. Post-procedure: After the procedure, the patient will be monitored for a period of time to ensure that there are no complications. The patient will be given instructions for home care and will be asked to come back for a follow-up visit to monitor their recovery.

Possible Risks & Complications

Balloon Sinus Surgery is relatively safe. As with any procedure, there are risks that you should be aware of. These include:

  • Extensive bleeding following surgery, requiring nasal packing or more extensive bleeding control
  • Problems during surgery involving the visualization and instrumentation or patient discomfort
  • Persistent or early return of infection
  • Later need for more extensive surgery

Post-Balloon Sinus Surgery

The week after the procedure it is normal to have a mild headache for a day or two. You will be given some pain medicine, although most patients take only one or two doses and then switch to an over the counter pain medication. If you see scant, reddish fluid draining from the nose, you should place a dressing under the nostrils to avoid sniffling. You will probably feel a lot of congestion, although some people can breathe very well immediately after surgery. You may have bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes. This will start to resolve within a few days. Most swelling will go down after a couple of weeks, but changes in the nose can continue for a year or more. You will return to the office one week after surgery to have the nasal dressing removed, then return as needed to have the nose checked. Avoid strenuous exercise for three weeks. Avoid wearing glasses for six weeks.

Meet Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS

Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS is board-certified in head and neck surgery and highly-trained in cosmetic plastic surgery and facial reconstruction. Dr. Mourad is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He treats many conditions, both cosmetic and complex, that affect the head, neck... Learn More »

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