Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty (BSP) is an endoscopic sinus surgery designed to help patients address sinus pain. To date, the procedure has been shown to deliver meaningful improvement in sinus symptoms and quality of life for thousands of patients.

Anatomy of Sinus Surgery

BSP is a minimally invasive procedure that requires no cutting or removal of bone and tissue, whereas traditional sinus surgery involves the removal of bone and tissue to enlarge the sinus opening. BSP involves the use of a small, flexible balloon catheter to open blocked nasal passages and helps facilitate mucus drainage in the nose.

What Conditions Does Balloon Sinuplasty Treat?

BSP helps patients reduce or eliminate the effects of chronic sinusitis, a condition that causes the cavities around nasal passages to become inflamed and swollen. Sinusitis occurs due to infection, sinus growths or a deviated nasal septum. It most commonly affects middle-aged adults but also may impact children.

Additionally, BSP addresses chronic rhinosinusitis, a condition that interferes with drainage and causes mucus build-up. Rhinosinusitis often causes the area around the face and eyes to feel swollen, and it may make it difficult to breathe through the nose.

Are You a Candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?

BSP is intended for individuals who have been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis but are not responding well to medication. These individuals may display one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Facial pressure and pain
  • Sinus headaches
  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Sore throat
  • Jaw or teeth pain
  • Congestion
  • Decreased sense of smell
  • Discharge of yellow or green mucus from the nose
  • Ear pain
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea

Also, individuals who are dealing with acute rhinosinusitis may be candidates for BSP.

Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty

There are many reasons why an individual may choose BSP, and these include:

  • Advanced Treatment: BSP involves the use of safe, effective technology.
  • Minimally Invasive: BSP is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery.
  • Unparalleled Flexibility: BSP may be performed in conjunction with other medical therapies.
  • Quick Recovery: Most BSP patients can return to normal activities and work within approximately two days of treatment.
  • Proven Results: More than 535,000 people around the world have already reaped the benefits of BSP.

How to Prepare for Balloon Sinuplasty

An ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor offers full instructions to help a patient prepare for BSP. This doctor also will respond to a patient’s concerns and questions prior to treatment.

A patient may need to avoid aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medications in the weeks leading up to BSP. Some medications increase a patient’s risk of bleeding. As such, a patient should discuss any current medications that he or she is taking with an ENT doctor to find out if these medications can cause surgery complications.

An ENT doctor may request a BSP patient stop smoking or consuming alcohol. Smoking can cause scar tissue and disrupt the healing process and should be avoided for at least one month prior to treatment. Heavy alcohol consumption dilates the blood vessels and increases the risk of swelling and bleeding and should be avoided for at least two weeks before surgery.

Balloon Sinuplasty Risks

There is a low complication rate with BSP, and the risks associated with surgery include:

  • Infection
  • Mucosal and tissue trauma
  • Optic injury

Balloon Sinuplasty Side Effects

BSP has fewer potential side effects than traditional sinus surgery. Possible BSP side effects include:

  • Pain and swelling
  • Allergic reaction to anesthesia and/or other medications
  • Infection
  • Postoperative bleeding

Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure

A recent study of more than 1,000 BSP patients indicated the average procedure time in an operating room was 73 minutes. Most BSP patients undergo general anesthesia, but ENT doctors may perform the procedure in an office under local anesthesia.

During BSP, a balloon catheter is inserted into the inflamed or swollen sinus. The balloon then is inflated to expand the sinus opening; the balloon simultaneously restructures and widens the walls of the sinus passageway and ensures the sinus lining maintains its integrity. Next, saline is sprayed into the inflamed sinus, and mucus and pus are pushed out of the sinus. The balloon catheter is removed, and the sinuses are left open.

Balloon Sinuplasty Recovery

The recovery time for BSP varies based on the patient. This period usually is short, and most patients can return to everyday activities and work within a few days of treatment. Patients who receive BSP under general anesthesia typically face a longer recovery period than those who undergo BSP under local anesthesia. BSP patients also may experience minimal bleeding and low postoperative pain after surgery.

Choose LA Peer Health Systems for Balloon Sinuplasty

LA Peer Health Systems in Beverly Hills employs expert sinus surgeons who are happy to teach you about BSP and determine whether you are a viable candidate for surgery. To learn more, please call us today at 855-360-9119.