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.
What is a Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty widens the sinus tissues to reduce your complications with sinuses and improve your breathing. It does not require alteration of the bone or tissues within your nose and is less invasive than other common cures to sinus problems.
How is a Balloon Sinuplasty Done?
A balloon sinuplasty can be done right here in our AOO/ENT specialists of the Rockies office. In most cases, it does not require anesthesia. During the procedure, our team will insert a catheter into your nostril to the sinus opening of your nose. A guide wire will then be inserted followed by a balloon catheter to the opening of your sinus blockage. The balloon will then inflate to open up your nasal passages to allow the mucus to drain. Once drained and the balloon has deflated, the wire 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 will vary patient to patient. For minor surgeries, you may need three to four days off of work and may experience some drainage within the first few days. This will resolve within a few days. Patients undergoing a Septoplasty or who experienced large amounts of inflammation during surgery usually require one week off work and can return to work once packing is removed in the follow-up appointment. Drainage with blood may continue for a few weeks prior to the removal of the packing.
If you are looking for a solution to your sinus problems, we can help. Schedule your consultation with the AOO/ENT specialists of the Rockies in Denver or Lone Tree, Colorado today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Balloon Sinuplasty permanent?
Is Balloon Sinuplasty painful?
Does balloon sinuplasty break bones?
Sources:
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.