If you experience chronic sinus infections, there may be the perfect solution for you: balloon sinuplasty. This procedure entails inflating the sinus cavities with a balloon catheter and flushing them out with saline solution. This results in relief from your sinus symptoms. We review other benefits of balloon sinuplasty below.
There’s No Need for Incisions
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure, meaning no incisions need to be made. Unlike traditional sinus surgery, which does require incisions, with this procedure, an ENT physician advances a balloon catheter through your nose and into your sinuses, inflates it, then rinses out the sinuses with saline solution. The results are clear nasal and sinus passageways and less inflammation.
It’s a Quick Procedure
Balloon sinuplasty is an outpatient procedure, so it is performed in an ENT clinic rather than at a hospital. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes. And because only a local anesthetic is administered, many patients can drive themselves home afterward.
You’ll Have a Speedy Recovery
Since no incisions are needed, you will recover much more quickly from balloon sinuplasty than from a traditional endoscopic sinus surgery. Patients can return to most daily activities within 24 to 48 hours; however, you should avoid strenuous activity for at least a week after the procedure. Note that you’ll also need to take antibiotics during this time to prevent another infection.
There’s a Low Risk of Complications
According to one article published in the National Library of Medicine, “Since its inception, balloon sinuplasty has a reputation as a safe, yet effective minimally invasive procedure. The first large scale study by Bolger et al., deemed the CLEAR study, looked at adverse events within a 24 week follow up period after balloon sinuplasty. Out of the 115 patients included in the study, there were no serious adverse effects.”
It’s Highly Effective
Balloon sinuplasty has been proven not just to be safe, but also highly effective. Another study published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology reports, “Balloon sinuplasty appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of [chronic rhinosinusitis] with great long-term outcomes.” For more information or to schedule an appointment with an expert ENT physician, call Midwest ENT Centre today.