Balloon Sinuplasty is an innovative method of treating sinus issues in those who do not respond well to medications, and does not require overnight hospital stays.
At this procedure, your provider will use an endoscope to guide a catheter into your sinuses, then inflate a balloon that permanently widens sinus pathways.
Preparation
Balloon sinuplasty has seen tremendous growth over the past decade as an effective solution to chronic sinusitis refractory to conservative medical therapy, providing many advantages over more traditional surgical options like FESS such as reduced complication rates and faster recovery time.
This minimally invasive procedure involves the use of an endoscope for direct visualization of the nasal cavity and sinuses, followed by a catheter with small balloon inserted directly into a sinus cavity. When inflated, this balloon helps restructure and widen sinus passageways without disrupting natural drainage pathways; then when deflated it opens back up for normal sinus function.
Once the procedure has been completed, all endoscopes, catheters and wires will be taken off of the patient and they may return home when all effects of anesthesia have subsided.
Contrary to more invasive sinus surgery procedures, balloon sinuplasty typically does not involve much bleeding postoperatively. Therefore, it’s crucial that patients follow the directions provided by their physicians in terms of post-op care to achieve the best possible results; such as drinking plenty of fluids with saline rinses and not blowing their nose excessively as this may lead to additional blood loss and/or post-operative discomfort.
Initial symptoms may include mild sinus swelling and discomfort that resembles congestion, combined with fatigue. Bloody nasal drainage may initially appear, which will eventually lighten in color over time. Saline rinses should be regularly performed to avoid infections, scarring, or build-up within your sinus passages.
Otolaryngologists require assistance with instrumentation for most procedures, whether that means office staff, resident physicians, medical students or nurses assisting. Assistants need to possess an in-depth knowledge of instrumentation as they will be responsible for exchanging guide catheters, inflating balloons and providing irrigation – otherwise complications or even danger could ensue during their procedure.
Anesthesia
Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed at your ENT’s office and generally involves local anesthesia, so you won’t go completely asleep during this procedure. IV sedation may also be an option if you prefer remaining awake but comfortable during these procedures.
Before beginning the procedure, your ENT will apply a topical decongestant to both your nose and mouth. They’ll use an endoscope, a small tube with light at one end that allows them to insert a balloon catheter into your nasal passages and inflate it gently to open up nasal passages and relieve any pain or pressure caused by obstructions in your sinuses.
Once the balloon is removed, your ENT will use another thin catheter to run a fluid irrigation through your sinuses. This irrigating liquid will drain any pus or blood that may have collected after surgery – helping prevent infection or scarring post-operatively – as well as clearing away any debris left from the procedure.
After your procedure, it is likely that you will feel some discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Although your discomfort should begin subsiding after several days, swelling and bruising could persist around your nose and mouth for some time; additionally, discolored discharge from your nose might occur which contains blood or contains discolored particles.
Once surgery has taken place, it is crucial that you follow all postoperative instructions from your ENT. This includes refraining from strenuous activities and taking all prescribed medications as instructed, in addition to refraining from smoking and tobacco as this could exacerbate complications after the procedure. Furthermore, refrain from blowing your nose frequently as this could cause bleeding in the area and increase discomfort; your ENT may recommend wearing a compression mask or sleeping with your head elevated in order to drain sinuses more effectively.
Surgery
Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive surgery using a sinus balloon to open blocked sinuses and restore natural drainage. Performed under local anesthesia in an office setting without needing nasal implants or other support systems, Balloon Sinuplasty can provide effective relief to adults suffering from chronic sinusitis or repeated sinus infections that have not responded to medication or other treatment methods.
The procedure itself is relatively quick and typically performed within thirty minutes in office. A thin catheter is inserted through the nose into the affected sinus cavity, where a small balloon is then inflated to reshape and promote natural drainage, relieving symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis or infection. When deflated, this allows natural drainage to continue occurring reducing symptoms related to chronic sinusitis or infection and increasing natural drainage reducing symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis and infection. After removal from surgery it does not require cutting into or removal of nasal bone tissue which speeds recovery while risks associated with other operations compared with others.
Patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort in their nose and throat for one or two days following surgery, which can usually be managed using over-the-counter pain relievers. If these do not suffice, however, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication; additionally saline rinses may also be provided to keep sinuses lubricated and promote healing.
Many individuals suffering from chronic sinusitis or other sinus conditions report an improvement in quality of life after having Balloon Sinuplasty. It’s important to follow all instructions given by an ENT specialist for success, such as not blowing your nose for 24 hours prior to and activities which increase heart rate; also hydrating regularly as prescribed; taking your prescription medication according to his/her recommendations will all play a part.
Balloon Sinuplasty has become an increasingly popular treatment option for patients suffering from sinusitis; however, it should only be utilized if conservative therapies fail to provide relief. Balloon Sinuplasty should only be considered if more conservative measures fail; it should not be used to address serious conditions like severe chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps or deviated septum; nor as a replacement for functional endoscopic sinus surgery which addresses complex anatomical issues.
Recovery
Contrary to traditional sinus surgeries, BSP surgery is minimally invasive and can be done under local anesthetic in an outpatient setting – meaning patients can return home after just hours with reduced symptoms.
Additionally, this technique has proven itself effective for both chronic and acute cases of sinusitis; however, certain rare sinus conditions – including sinusitis with nasal polyposis or extensive fungal sinusitis – do not qualify for its application.
Before surgery, patients must understand both the risks and benefits associated with any procedure they undergo. They should discuss this information with their ENT doctor in order to make sure it’s appropriate. Informing their ENT about all medications (including over-the-counter ones or supplements) they’re taking is also imperative; for those taking blood thinners this should include stopping them several days prior and after their procedure.
After surgery, patients may experience mild discomfort in the nose and sinus area that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. You can also expect nasal drainage that contains discolorations or some blood, and in order to ensure the best outcomes it is important to rinse with saline solution or medicated irrigation prescribed by an ENT doctor in order to prevent infections, inflammation or mucus buildup in subsequent days after surgery.
Some patients will need to stay in the hospital after surgery; others can go home within hours and resume most of their normal activities. Initially, discomfort will likely persist for one or two days but should eventually dissipate within seven days.
If the patient is receiving general anesthesia, monitoring devices will be attached in the operating room to monitor heart activity and oxygen levels. A surgeon will use an endoscope, a tube fitted with a camera for viewing affected areas; and then use catheter and wires to place and inflate an intrasinus balloon surgical device.
