Chronic sinusitis occurs when the nose and sinus passages become swollen and inflamed, leading to a build-up of mucus as well as blockage of the drainage pathways. This condition often leads to recurrent sinus infections and painful symptoms. Approximately 15% of the US population suffers from chronic sinusitis with chronic symptoms, including congestion, swelling, discolored discharge, cough, post-nasal drip, facial pain and pressure, headaches, and a diminished sense of smell. For some patients, chronic symptoms are worsened when infections occur simultaneously with the underlying condition.
Unfortunately, for some patients, medical management with prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs are not enough to relieve symptoms. Consequently, patient quality of life is significantly impacted, causing many sufferers to miss work or school.
For patients seeking a more permanent treatment option, balloon sinuplasty (BSP) is a less invasive endoscopic sinus procedure for chronic sinusitis patients seeking relief from uncomfortable sinus pain symptoms.
What is Involved in Balloon Sinuplasty?
BSP is a non-invasive procedure where a tiny balloon is placed into the nose to reach the blocked sinuses and then inflated under the view of an endoscope to restructure the sinus opening. Congested sinus cavities are safely drained with a saline solution, cleaning out accumulated pus and mucus. The balloon is then removed and the sinuses remain clear, reducing the recurrence of symptoms and providing you with long-lasting, much-needed relief. Normal sinus drainage is restored.
Is Balloon Sinuplasty Effective?
Clinical research confirms that this procedure has been effective in opening blocked sinus passageways and relieving uncomfortable sinus pain symptoms for patients.
Are You a Candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?
BSP is often done for patients who suffer from chronic and recurrent acute sinusitis, and don’t respond to medication.
You may be a candidate for balloon sinuplasty, if:
- You have experienced any of the following symptoms on a recurrent basis:
- Facial Pain
- Facial Pressure
- A Sinus Headache
- Discharge of Yellow or Green Mucus from the Nose
- Sinus Pressure or Congestion
- Decreased Sense of Smell or Taste
- Difficulty Breathing from the Nose
- A Sore Throat from Nasal Discharge
- Teeth Pain
- Fatigue
- Bad Breath
- A doctor has prescribed sinus medication for you several times in the past year to address your condition.
- Your doctor has referred you to an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist.
- You have experienced 4 or more recurrent sinus infections in the past year.
When Should You See an ENT doctor?
If you have had chronic sinusitis lasting longer than 12 weeks, you should see an ENT doctor for a diagnosis.
Is Balloon Sinuplasty Safe?
BSP is an FDA-cleared procedure and has been performed on hundreds of thousands of patients since 2005. It is a safe procedure, as there is no cutting of nasal bone or tissue. This makes it a less invasive treatment as compared to traditional sinus surgery.
How Do You Prepare for the Procedure?
For a few days before surgery, you may be asked to start antibiotics and/or steroids in order to decrease inflammation. For office-based procedures, you may eat or drink a light snack prior to your procedure.
What Happens on the Day of Your Procedure?
On the day of your procedure, you will be taken to a procedure room and given topical medications in your nose to help decongest and number the area. A little while later you will be given an injection of lidocaine to numb the sinus area. Once the area is appropriately numb, the procedure will begin.
What Type of Anesthesia is Used?
Local anesthesia (lidocaine) is used for office-based procedures to ensure patient comfort. If the procedure is done in an operating groom or Ambulatory Surgery center, general anesthesia is often used.
Can I have a Ballon Sinuplasty if I am Allergic to Latex?
Yes, the balloon catheters used in the procedure are made of plastic and do not contain any latex.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Balloon Sinuplasty is an in-office procedure that typically lasts 1 hour.
How Long Does It Take to Heal from Balloon Sinuplasty?
Every patient is different, but on average most patients return to work and normal activities within 2 days. Since BSP is a minimally invasive procedure, nasal packing, stitches or other dressings are not required, allowing the patient to recover more quickly.
Are There Any Side Effects?
After surgery, there may be some bloody nasal discharge and headaches for a day or two, but these side effects usually subside rather quickly.
How Long Will The Results Last?
Most patients experience a lasting benefit from their BSP treatment and experience a significant reduction in sinusitis symptoms. Like with most procedures, there are some who may need to repeat the procedure or have an alternative procedure done at some point.
Does My Insurance Cover Balloon Sinuplasty?
Most insurance companies and Medicare cover BSP. To be sure of your coverage, contact your insurance provider.
Can Other Procedures be Performed Along with Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty may be performed as a stand-alone procedure or with other adjunctive procedures. For instance, patients who may have a nasal obstruction (i.e., a deviated septum or enlarged inferior turbinates), corrective procedures may be performed at the same time as a balloon procedure. When multiple procedures are performed, this may require the patient to go to an operating room or Ambulatory Surgery Center for care.
What if the Procedure Doesn’t Work?
Balloon sinuplasty isn’t 100% effective for all patients. Some patients may require a second procedure or an adjunctive procedure like a septoplasty or turbinate reduction in order to alleviate their sinusitis symptoms.
How Does Balloon Sinuplasty Differ from Traditional Sinus Surgery?
The main difference between BSP and traditional sinus surgery is that BSP is a less invasive treatment option for patients. With traditional sinus surgery, bone and tissue are removed to enlarge the sinus opening, clear blocked sinuses and restore normal sinus drainage. Since traditional sinus surgery is a more invasive surgical procedure, recovery time is longer and patients experience more pain and scarring.
What are the Advantages of Balloon Sinuplasty?
BSP not only offers patients with an effective sinus pain relief solution but it also:
- Provides Long-Term Relief
- Eliminates Chronic Sinus Conditions
- Increases Air Flow in Nasal Passages
- Improves Drainage and Natural Healing
- Alleviates Headaches
Contact Us
Contact SCENT today at (661) 259-2500 to see if Balloon Sinuplasty is right for you.
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Sources
- http://www.balloonsinuplasty.com/what-is-balloon-sinuplasty
- Weiss, Raymond L., et al. “Long-Term Outcome Analysis of Balloon Catheter Sinusotomy: Two-Year Follow-Up.” Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, vol. 139, no. 3_suppl_1, 2008.
- http://www.balloonsinuplasty.
com/what-is-balloon-sinuplasty - Weiss, Raymond L., et al. “Long-Term Outcome Analysis of Balloon Catheter Sinusotomy: Two-Year Follow-Up.” Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, vol. 139, no. 3_suppl_1, 2008.