Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that does not involve cutting or resection of nasal tissues or bones. The time taken for recovery is quicker, and the scar heals fast. Due to these reasons, balloon sinuplasty is emerging as the procedure of choice for severe or chronic form of sinusitis unresponsive to other medical treatments, including nasal decongestants, antibiotics, rinses, and nasal and oral corticosteroids.

Millions of people have CRS or chronic rhinosinusitis. Conservative treatment like antibiotics can ease the symptoms of most people. However, if your symptoms continue for more than three months, your doctor might recommend endoscopic sinus surgery or balloon sinuplasty. The symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis include congestion, facial pressure, stuffy nose, loss of sense of smell, and runny nose.

Every patient who can benefit from balloon sinuplasty is not a candidate for the procedure. Ideal candidates for balloon sinuplasty include those who:

  • Have a mild form of sinusitis
  • Do not have nasal polyps or tumours
  • Can tolerate the procedure under local anaesthesia
  • Have an affected area in specific sinuses, including those in the forehead (frontal sinuses), cheeks (maxillary sinuses), or back of the nose (sphenoid sinuses)

The procedure is typically recommended for adults. Children who do not respond to other treatment modalities for sinusitis may be considered as candidates for balloon sinuplasty, but only in certain limited scenarios.

If you are not the right candidate for balloon sinuplasty, you may be considered for endoscopic sinus surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that is also used for the treatment of sinusitis. Your doctor will evaluate your thoroughly and then discuss the right treatment options with you.

The procedure involves dilating the openings of one or all three of the main nasal sinuses so that they can be drained or cleared. Most patients requiring the surgery have a condition that involves inflammation of the sinus membranes preventing the pus, mucus, and discharge from being drained, resulting in congestion.

If not treated at the right time, inflamed and clogged sinuses can adversely affect normal breathing and lead to development of symptoms including headache, jaw ache, and insomnia.

The balloon sinuplasty technique allows healthcare providers to open up blocked nasal sinuses forcibly to relieve congestion and other related symptoms.

Balloon sinuplasty procedure is performed in the operating room under general anaesthesia. For select patients, it can be performed in the office using topical numbing medications. The surgeon threads a guidance wire into the sinus cavity opening through the nostril, which is then often followed by a tiny balloon. The sinus opening is enlarged by inflating the balloon. This allows it to drain better. Like endoscopic sinus surgery, sinuplasty does not necessitate making a skin incision. The procedure can be performed completely through the nostrils. Most patients are allowed to go home the same day or the next day.

Recovery after Balloon Sinuplasty

Post balloon sinuplasty procedure, you can expect to experience mild pain or discomfort in the nasal area, which can be generally treated with over-the-counter medications. You may also experience discoloured or blood-tinged nasal discharge. After the procedure for a few days, you will need to maintain proper nasal hygiene with saline rinses containing medications prescribed by your doctor. These saline rinses allow for the flushing out of the mucus and debris during the process of healing. This also prevents scarring, infection, or accumulation of material inside the nose. Unlike more invasive sinus procedures, balloon sinuplasty does not give rise to bruising or visible scarring.

Nasal Congestion after Balloon Sinuplasty

Like with any other nasal procedure, you may notice mild nasal congestion post-balloon sinuplasty procedure. This congestion usually lasts for a few days. Saline rinses prevent congestion caused by debris or mucus.

Balloon sinuplasty, which is a minimally invasive procedure, has proved to be a very safe and effective surgical procedure when performed by a specialist. Since its advent in the 2000s, balloon sinuplasty has emerged as the most commonly performed procedure for sinus treatment. This acceptance is primarily because of its decently high success rates and minimal risks of complications.

Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon Sinuplasty has many benefits over traditional endoscopic sinus surgeries, including:

  • Faster recovery time
  • Decreased bleeding risk
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Fewer needed post-operative follow-up appointments
  • Minimal requirement of pre-operative and post-operative pain medications
  • No damage or resection of mucous membranes, sinus tissues, or nasal bones
  • Minimal chances of post-operative infections
  • Reduced general anaesthesia needed and reduced risk of developing adverse reactions
  • Minimal risk of postoperative scarring
  • Reduced risk of accidental tissue damage during the procedure

Like with all other surgical procedures, balloon sinuplasty is linked with a few minor post-operative symptoms that spontaneously resolve after some time.

You might be recommended to stay at home or hospital and rest for 24-48 hours post-procedure. Your doctor might recommend the following tips to help with the recovery process:

  • Rinse your nostril with nasal spray.
  • Avoid blowing your nose for 24 to 48 hours.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for the first week after your surgery.
  • In case of congestion, sleep with your head elevated.

Most patients with balloon sinuplasty experience some degree of bloody discharge from their noses. It is completely normal. However, if your nose bleeds a lot and that bleeding can’t be controlled, you must talk to your healthcare provider.

A nose that is so stuffed that you can barely breathe, a nose that just won’t stop running, or pain that makes the whole face ache - we have all faced the symptoms of sinusitis at some point or another. However, if your symptoms persist for more than three months, you don’t have to sniffle or suffer in silence. Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider and seek medical care and attention. Your healthcare provider will recommend treatment that will make you pain-free and help you breathe freely again.

If you are seeking the best balloon sinuplasty center in Indore, your search is over. Balloon sinuplasty procedure is conducted under the Department of ENT at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore. The department houses state-of-the-art equipment and highly talented and experienced medical professionals who use innovative and modern technology while treating patients with a wide range of simple and complicated hearing disorders.