What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is quickly becoming the most common sinus surgery. A relatively newer surgery, the balloon sinuplasty procedure is a medical treatment for chronic sinusitis. Sinusitis is a condition that describes the swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. This inflammation produces various symptoms that makes breathing through the nose difficult. Sinusitis can be acute or chronic. Balloon sinuplasty is an effective treatment option that is designed to alleviate chronic sinusitis. Compared to traditional endoscopic sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty utilizes advancements in surgical techniques and technology like Balloon Sinuplasty™ to enhance patient outcomes while minimizing recovery time.
Chronic Sinusitis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 29 million adults have chronic sinusitis. Sinusitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including tissue growths, a deviated nasal septum, allergies, and respiratory tract infections. These factors cause the sinuses – located in the nasal passageway and head – to become inflamed, leading to nasal congestion. This prevents mucus from draining the way it normally would, causing the nose to be stuffy. Chronic sinusitis affects normal sinus drainage, and balloon sinuplasty can help restore it by opening blocked sinuses. Additional symptoms include:
- Congestion
- Thick discharge (out of the nose)
- Pain or tenderness around the nose, eyes, cheeks, forehead
- Earache, headache
- Runny nose
- Cough, sore throat
- Sleep issues
Acute sinusitis is typically caused by the common cold or allergies and can be self-treated with over the counter medications that alleviate symptoms. Chronic sinusitis can last up to three months and could require antibiotics to dissipate. Recurring chronic sinusitis can disrupt daily life and require additional medical intervention like balloon sinuplasty.
Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure
Balloon sinuplasty was approved in 2005 and is now one of the most common ways to effectively treat sinusitis. According to a study published in 2017, the number of procedures increased by 59% from 2011 to 2014. This is largely due to the surgery being minimally invasive, which leads to a quicker recovery time. Balloon sinuplasty does not involve the cutting or loss of any nasal tissues or bones, so the risks associated are fewer, and the benefits are significant.
The surgery is performed by an ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor and involves expanding and draining the major nasal spaces. This is carried out by inserting a small flashlight into the nasal passageway as well as a thin sinus balloon catheter. A thin guidance wire is inserted into the sinus cavity to facilitate the insertion of the balloon. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, which minimizes recovery time and discomfort. The balloon is then inflated, which expands the blocked sinus passageways, allowing mucus and pus to be flushed out with a saline solution. The goal of the procedure is restoring normal sinus drainage. After the sinuses have been effectively drained and cleared out, the doctor removes the catheter, and the opening it creates alleviates the pressure, congestion, and other symptoms it causes.
Minimally Invasive Recovery & Effectiveness
A significant benefit of balloon sinuplasty is the short recovery time, which is one of the many benefits of balloon sinuplasty. The aftercare and side effects of the surgery are minimal, and people usually resume regular activities within 1 – 2 days. Additionally, balloon sinuplasty is recognized as a highly effective treatment option. Research that has thoroughly studied the effectiveness of balloon sinuplasty includes:
- The 2017 study included 30 children who had the surgery and were examined for one year after the treatment. Researchers found that the procedure cured sinusitis in 94% of the children.
- 2016 study: 15 people who underwent balloon sinuplasty were studied for six months after the surgery. Researchers found that there were no damaging side effects and that the symptoms of all patients improved significantly.
Compared to other sinus procedures, balloon sinuplasty has shown a higher success rate and quicker recovery time.
The minimal invasiveness, smooth recovery, and effectiveness of balloon sinuplasty have made this an increasingly popular treatment option for sinusitis.
Risks & Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty
In addition to the short recovery time, balloon sinuplasty involves relatively low risks. Unlike conventional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty does not require nasal packing or general anesthesia. Compared to functional endoscopic sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty also presents fewer risks of complications. Additional benefits include:
- No tissue, bone, structural damage caused by surgery
- Reduced risk of bleeding
- Short hospital stay, reducing associated costs
- Few postoperative appointments
- Reduced need for pain management medications
- There is a low risk of postoperative infection, tissue damage, bleeding, etc.
The major benefit is long-lasting relief of chronic sinusitis. Symptoms are alleviated, which allow people to navigate daily life with greater ease and control. Quality of sleep, ability to focus, have conversations, and complete tasks is significantly improved. This makes balloon sinuplasty a preferable, less painful alternative to traditional sinus surgery for patients suffering from chronic sinusitis.
Treating sinus disease effectively requires expertise in advanced techniques like balloon sinuplasty. If you are someone who experiences serious sinus issues and are interested in knowing more about this treatment, contact us to learn more! We are here to discuss the options available to you and how we can help improve your health!