Depends on the Patient

Balloon Sinuplasty is a great option — of course, that all depends on the patient, their symptoms, and diagnosis. While some people are pursuing traditional sinus surgery for relief, others are opting for a gentler alternative. The in-office procedure is a breakthrough in endoscopic sinus surgery and continues to provide a safe, effective solution for patients seeking relief from uncomfortable sinus issues.

Depends on Symptoms

It’s been reported that people spend over $14 billion on sinus and allergy related issues. Those issues can lead to pain, pressure, headaches, drainage, dental pain and fatigue. Treatments range from pain medications, nasal decongestants, nasal saline rinses, antibiotics and sometimes resort to surgery. When the above fails, sometimes the next solution may involve more than just a doctors visit.

Depends on Diagnosis

If you are experiencing anything along the lines of discussion, it may be necessary to visit a specialist. When medication fails to aid diagnosis, surgery is the next solution. The goal of surgery is to improve the sinuses, usually by removing blockage ( damaged tissue, growths, foreign objects, or bone) and draining mucus. There are three types of surgery: traditional, functional, and balloon sinuplasty.

Traditional sinus surgery is also referred to as open-sinus surgery. This method is done when medications have failed to cure chronic sinusitis, endoscopic surgery is unsuccessful or to avoid illnesses like meningitis, that may develop from sinusitis. The procedure requires admission to a hospital where an opening will be made from either the inside of the mouth or through skin of the face.

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery or FESS is performed as an outpatient procedure. FESS involves making incisions in order to remove or minimize bone or tissue—typically needed to help correct more significant physical problems like removing nasal obstructions or correcting a deviated septum.

With Balloon Sinuplasty, ENT doctors open inflamed sinuses similar to the way heart surgeons open up blocked arteries. Although, any procedure comes with risk, Balloon Sinuplasty is not only less risky, but also less invasive. The procedure calls for a small, flexible catheter to open up blocked sinus passageways. Through natural sinus openings, the catheter is inserted and a tiny balloon is inflated. As air fills balloon, the passageway expands by breaking paper thin bones and other obstructions. Then, a tiny shaver called a microdebrider is used to remove polyp tissue and facilitate drainage of mucus. Lastly, the balloon is deflated, leaving the passageway open to allow fluid to drain and relieve sinus issues. Totaling under thirty minutes, the procedure can be performed in one single office visit and provides a fast recovery where most patients return to normal activity within two days.

Balloon Sinuplasty is the Answer 

• • When a patient is looking for improvement in sinus symptoms and overall quality of life.
  • When a patient is interested in a less invasive procedure where no cutting or incisions will be made.
  • When the candidate is diagnosed with chronic sinusitis, recurrent acute rhino sinusitis, sinus related snoring, sinus related sleep apnea, mild or moderate sinus disease, and/or is not responding well to to medication.

Balloon Sinuplasty can be performed in-office where you will be in comfortable surroundings. Choosing this option can save you significant costs and provide fast recovery with high-patient satisfaction.

Consult With a Rhinologist

Remember that each type of sinus surgery has separate goals and methods. As one may fulfill your specific patient needs, another might not. If you or someone you know has been experiencing sinus problems frequently and over-the-counter medicines or repeated oral antibiotics fail to provide relief please consider expert help. Get in touch with Dr. Arjuna Kuperan at Houston Advanced Nose & Sinus for a complete checkup and consultation. To schedule an appointment with one of our sinus specialists, call us at (713) 791-0700 or click here.