What Does Balloon Sinus Surgery Entail?

Balloon sinuplasty is also known as balloon sinus surgery. It is a surgical procedure that ENT specialists use to treat blocked sinuses in the nose. It is widely practiced in the United States, as research has indicated it as an effective treatment of rhino sinuses and other related sinus conditions on patients with or without allergies.

The procedure

The ENT doctor dilates the sinus with a balloon instead of a metal instrument to take out tissues to increase openings. They then insert a catheter through the nostrils close to the sinus opening under an endoscopic view. A guidewire with light is inserted into the target sinus to ease access.

Once the blocked sinus is accessed, a balloon catheter is moved over the wire and placed in the opening of the blocked sinus for inflation. This enables the sinuses to be cleared and drained, as these blockages in the nasal passages interfere with breathing and can lead to symptoms related to headaches, insomnia and jaw aches.

As soon as the balloon is inflated, the nose specialist flushes out the openings and cavities with a saline rinse to clear pathways further. Once the balloon deflates, and it is removed, the sinuses drain naturally.

The surgical procedure takes about 30 minutes to one hour, and if successful, the patient should not feel any of the symptoms as severely as they did before.

Benefits of the balloon sinus surgery

This procedure is known to have fewer risks and fewer complications because it is minimal and non-invasive, so it can be performed under various settings. This eliminates the concern associated with the word surgery and all that it entails.

Balloon sinus surgery is known to reduce symptoms related to sinuses. Additionally, balloon sinus surgery preserves healthy nasal tissues, as well as the mucus membrane and structure.

Are there side effects of balloon sinus surgery?

This procedure may have side effects which includes tiredness and fatigue, tenderness of the face, forehead and congestion a week after recovery. Slight bleeding may also occur a few days after the process. Sometimes, the procedure affects the smell and also causes slight breathing difficulties. Minor swellings in the nose and nostrils might occur after the surgery.

How safe and convenient is balloon sinus surgery?

The cost of rhinoplasty is quite high, but it is mostly considered safe and convenient, compared to most treatment alternatives for sinus treatments. The procedure is known to reduce the risk of complications as well as lowers the risk of bleeding during the surgery. It also has a fast recovery pace, hence minimizes the stress associated with recovery. There is no need for post-surgery and operative medications or sutures inspections or infections after this procedure is carried out. This is because there is a low possibility of having scars, stitches and inflammatory reactions associated with most surgeries. The procedure also keeps tissue membranes safe from any damage.

If you are considering treatment options for sinus-related conditions, speak to your doctor first to help you with the decision-making process.