Sinusitis affects 37 million people each year, making it one of the most common health problems in the U.S. It’s more prevalent than heart disease and asthma, and has a greater impact on quality of life than chronic back pain or congestive heart failure. Symptoms may significantly affect people physically, functionally, and emotionally.
Balloon sinuplasty is a breakthrough procedure that delivers long-lasting relief from sinusitis and chronic sinus symptoms. It’s a minimally invasive outpatient surgery that takes less than 20 minutes to complete, and can treat inflamed sinuses without cutting through the nasal bone or tissue.
How Balloon Sinuplasty is Performed
The balloon sinuplasty procedure is performed under local anesthesia. As such, you will be completely awake but you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. During the procedure, your doctor will insert two tiny catheters into the nasal cavity. The first is attached to a light and a camera, and the second contains a tiny balloon. The balloon will then be inflated to open the sinuses and clear the blockages.
This relieves the pressure and encourages the mucus to drain correctly. You will be free to return home immediately, and may resume your regular daily routine within 24 hours. In general, our patients experience immediate relief from sinus pain and uncomfortable symptoms. In recent clinical studies, most patients reported that they were still free from their sinus symptoms two years after their operation.
Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty
Safe and Effective - While the use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical research has indicated the balloon sinuplasty system to be safe and effective in improving symptoms of sinusitis.
Minimally Invasive - The technology uses small, soft, flexible devices that enter entirely through the nostrils. These devices gently open blocked sinus openings, and in many cases do not require tissue or bone removal.
Minimal Bleeding - Because in many instances no tissue or bone is removed when using this technology, there is typically only minor bleeding associated with the procedure.
Quick Recovery Time - While recovery time varies with each patient, many people can quickly return to normal activities.
If you suffer from sinusitis and medication alone has not been effective, you may be a candidate for surgery using balloon sinuplasty devices. We encourage you to talk to Dr. Shari Reitzen about whether using these FDA-cleared, endoscopic, catheter-based tools is right for you! Call our office at 347-218-9640 to set up your consultation