720-897-7160
Denver
Lone Tree
Castle Rock
720-897-7160
Denver
Lone Tree
Castle Rock
Balloon Sinuplasty
Sinuses can cause irritating nasal discharge, congestion, headaches, coughing, and a great deal of discomfort. If you are experiencing troublesome sinuses that are affecting your day, you may benefit from the minimally invasive Balloon Sinuplasty procedure. This medical treatment involves using a sinus balloon catheter to stretch the nasal passage and correct blocked sinus passageways, restoring normal sinus drainage. At AOO/ENT Specialists of the Rockies, our team of skilled providers is dedicated to effective, professional care to address your sinus issues.
What is a Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty is an effective treatment for sinusitis, also known as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Common symptoms of CRS include nasal congestion, facial pain or facial pressure, blocked sinuses, runny or stuffy nose, loss of sense of smell, and more. Some people experiencing sinusitis issues may benefit from balloon sinuplasty over endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
There are many benefits of balloon sinuplasty. It widens the sinus tissues to reduce sinus complications and improve breathing. It also does not require tissue or bone removal within the nose and is less invasive than other common solutions for sinus problems. Overall, balloon sinuplasty is a safe and minimally invasive option for treating chronic sinusitis.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty?
Candidates for balloon sinuplasty are those with limited sinus disease, who experience recurring sinus infections, or who are experiencing scarring in the nasal cavities due to traditional sinus surgery. This procedure may also be used alongside more traditional techniques, such as conventional sinus surgery as a hybrid procedure. However, balloon sinuplasty may not be right for everyone. Those with nasal polyps or tumors or those with severe forms of sinusitis may benefit from more invasive surgery.
At AOO | ENT Specialist of the Rockies, the majority of our balloon sinuplasty procedures are performed in-office, avoiding the need for general anesthetic for a quicker recovery. To learn more about candidacy and if this treatment option is right for you, contact our Denver office today to schedule a consultation.
How is a Balloon Sinuplasty Done?
A balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure and can be done in our AOO/ENT specialists of the Rockies office instead of an operating room. In most cases, it does not require general anesthesia. During the procedure, our team will use a thin tube with a light on the end called an endoscope to insert a catheter into your nostril and into the sinus cavity of your nose. The catheter will be used to guide a small flexible balloon into the sinuses. The balloon will then be gradually inflated to open up your blocked sinus passageways, allowing the mucus to drain. Once nasal drainage has occurred and the balloon has deflated, the balloon and catheter will be removed. The procedure should take approximately an hour to complete.
Balloon Sinuplasty Recovery
As Balloon Sinuplasty procedures vary in complexity, recovery time varies from patient to patient. Mild swelling may occur for a few weeks following the procedure. Most patients can expect mild congestion for up to one week following balloon sinus surgery, though nasal steroid sprays can be used during this time to alleviate this symptom. You may also experience bloody drainage. Saline rinses will be recommended to help flush out debris and mucus during the healing process, as well as prevent infection.
For minor surgeries, you may need three to four days off of work and may experience some drainage within the first few days. Those who experience large amounts of inflammation during surgery usually require one week off work. Complete healing may take up to a month and a half.
If you experience any severe symptoms following this procedure, such as heavy nasal bleeding, please reach out to your healthcare provider or ENT doctor.
If you are looking for a solution to your sinus problems, balloon sinuplasty may be right for you. Schedule your consultation with the AOO/ENT specialists of the Rockies in Denver or Lone Tree, Colorado, today to discuss your treatment options with one of our ear, nose, and throat physicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can balloon sinuplasty be repeated?
Can balloon sinuplasty fix a deviated septum?
Does balloon sinuplasty change your voice?
Is Balloon Sinuplasty painful?
What are the risks of balloon sinuplasty?
How do I prepare for Balloon Sinuplasty?
How long does it take to heal from balloon sinuplasty?
Is Balloon Sinuplasty permanent?
Who is a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty?
How long does congestion last after sinus surgery?
What happens after balloon sinuplasty?
Does balloon sinuplasty break bones?
Sources:
- www.entnet.og
- www.mayoclinic.org
- www.american-rhinological.org
Jeffrey L. Cutler, M.D.
Dr. Jeffrey Cutler is board-certified with the American Board of Otolaryngology and received his medical degree at Tulane University Medical School in New Orleans. He performed his residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. In addition, he completed a 1 year fellowship in nasal and endoscopic sinus surgery. His area of expertise includes the medical and surgical treatment of complicated sinus and skull base diseases. Dr. Cutler has published many articles on office based nasal and sinus procedures - particularly on balloon sinus and Eustachian tube dilation When not at the office, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, skiing and cycling.
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