Sinusitis is inflammation and infections of the sinuses – the small, air-filled pockets in the nose and forehead that produce mucus. Symptoms of sinusitis include a runny nose, reduced sense of smell, pain or tenderness around the sinus area, nasal drainage and headaches. Chronic sinusitis is inflammation that persists in one or more of the sinuses even after treatment or for more than twelve weeks; it is generally caused by growths, injury or congenital abnormality of the sinus area, which can prevent normal, necessary drainage.
Balloon sinuplasty is a surgical procedure to treat chronic or recurring sinusitis. It is usually only recommended to those for whom more conservative treatments, like antibiotics and steroids, have failed.
Balloon sinuplasty is different than the traditional functional endoscopic sinus surgery because it does not require cutting, bone and tissue removal or sharp metal operating tools. Instead, the surgeon inserts a small, flexible balloon catheter into the inflamed sinus, inflates it and flushes in saline spray. Once the balloon is removed, the sinuses are left cleared and open with no damage to the surrounding tissues.
This procedure can be performed in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia. The patient will have a short recovery time, often returning to their daily routine by the following morning with little bleeding or need for prescription pain medication. The complication rate is less than one percent.
Outcome goals of the surgery are symptom improvement, decline in sinusitis episodes and improvements in work and productivity. If you are suffering from chronic or recurring sinusitis, contact us at (479) 750-2080 to discuss if balloon sinuplasty is a good treatment option for you.