A balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure for treating chronic sinusitis, a condition that causes inflammation and infection of the sinuses. In this blog post, we will explain what balloon sinuplasty is, how it works, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
The sinuses, which are air-filled cavities in the skull, become inflamed and swollen as a result of infection or allergy. Symptoms include:
Stuffy nose
Congestion
Facial pain and pressure
Headache
Runny nose
Loss of sense of smell
Fever
Sore throat
Cough
The condition is classified as acute or chronic sinusitis. Acute sinusitis usually lasts less than four weeks and is treated with antibiotics, nasal sprays, or decongestants. If sinusitis lasts longer than 12 weeks and does not respond well to medical treatment, it may affect quality of life and increase the risk of complications, such as nasal polyps, asthma, or meningitis.
It is a new procedure that was introduced in 2005. Balloon sinuplasty is an endoscopic sinus surgery that uses a thin tube with a camera and light (called an endoscope) to access the sinuses through the nostrils. Unlike traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty does not require any incisions or removal of bone or tissue. Instead, a balloon is inserted into the blocked sinus and inflated in order to widen the opening and restore drainage. After the balloon is deflated, it is removed, leaving the sinuses clear and open.
In accordance with the preference of the patient and the doctor, balloon sinuplasty can be performed in a hospital or an office setting. Typically, the procedure takes less than an hour and has a faster recovery time than traditional sinus surgery. It can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
Balloon sinuplasty is not suitable for everyone with chronic sinusitis. It is mainly indicated for people who have:
Chronic sinusitis that does not improve with medical treatment
Recurrent acute sinusitis that requires frequent antibiotics
Sinusitis that affects the frontal, maxillary, or sphenoid sinuses
Sinusitis without nasal polyps or extensive ethmoid disease
Balloon sinuplasty is not recommended for people who have:
Sinusitis with nasal polyps or extensive ethmoid disease
Sinusitis that affects the ostiomeatal complex (the main drainage pathway of the sinuses)
Sinusitis that is caused by a fungal infection, a tumor, or a structural abnormality
Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use
Allergy to latex or contrast dye
Before deciding to undergo balloon sinuplasty, it is important to consult with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist who can evaluate your condition and determine the best treatment option for you.
If you are scheduled for balloon sinuplasty, you will need to follow some instructions to prepare for the procedure. These may include:
Stopping certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners, a few days before the procedure
Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and caffeine for 24 hours before the procedure
Fasting for at least six hours before the procedure if you are having general anesthesia
Arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure
Bringing your insurance card, identification, and any relevant medical records to the procedure
Your doctor will give you more specific instructions based on your medical history and the type of anesthesia you will receive.
The procedure of balloon sinuplasty may vary slightly depending on the setting and the anesthesia, but it generally follows these steps:
You will lie down on a table and have monitors attached to check your vital signs
You will receive anesthesia or sedation to make you comfortable and pain-free
Your doctor will insert an endoscope into your nostril and guide it to the affected sinus
Your doctor will insert a catheter with a balloon at the tip through the endoscope and position it in the blocked sinus opening
Your doctor will inflate the balloon to dilate the sinus opening and flush it with saline to wash out any mucus or debris
Your doctor will deflate and remove the balloon and the catheter
Your doctor will repeat the same steps for any other sinuses that need treatment
Your doctor will remove the endoscope and apply a nasal dressing or packing if needed
After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery area where you will be monitored for any complications. You may experience some mild discomfort, such as:
Nasal congestion
Bloody drainage
Facial pressure
Sore throat
Headache
Nausea
In most cases, these symptoms are temporary and can be treated with painkillers, nasal sprays, or saline rinses. Depending on your condition and the type of anesthesia you received, you may be able to return home that day or the next day. Following some instructions will help you care for your nose and sinuses, including:
Avoiding blowing your nose or sneezing forcefully for a few days
Avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or bending for a week
Avoiding swimming, diving, or flying for two weeks
Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods for two weeks
Using a humidifier or a vaporizer to keep your nasal passages moist
Keeping your head elevated when sleeping to reduce swelling
Taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor
Keeping your follow-up appointments with your doctor
Balloon sinuplasty is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, but like any surgery, it carries some risks and potential complications. These may include:
Bleeding
Infection
Damage to the eye, the brain, or the surrounding structures
Recurrence of sinusitis or need for additional surgery
Allergic reaction to the anesthesia or the balloon material
Failure to achieve the desired results
Complications are rare and can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced ENT specialist, following preoperative and postoperative instructions, and reporting any signs of trouble to your physician.
In addition to affecting your daily life and well-being, chronic sinusitis can be frustrating and debilitating. While balloon sinuplasty can provide relief for some people, it is not a cure or a preventative measure. A number of measures need to be taken to prevent or reduce sinus infection frequency and severity, including:
Practicing good hygiene and washing your hands frequently
Avoiding contact with people who have colds or flu
Getting vaccinated for flu and pneumonia
Treating allergies and asthma with medications or immunotherapy
Using a nasal spray or a saline rinse to keep your nasal passages clear and moist
Avoiding irritants, such as smoke, dust, pollen, or chemicals
Drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated
Eating a balanced diet and taking vitamin C and zinc supplements
Managing stress and getting enough sleep
You may want to consider balloon sinuplasty as an option if you suffer from chronic sinusitis and cannot get relief from medical treatment. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can open your sinuses and relieve your symptoms. You should consult with an ENT specialist who can evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment. However, it is not suitable for everyone and it has some risks and limitations.
