Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive sinus surgery used to widen the sinus passages. Your ear, nose and throat (ENT) expert will most likely suggest the procedure if you’ve been dealing with chronic sinus infections.
How Do I Know if Balloon Sinuplasty Is Right for Me?
At Midwest ENT, our board-certified providers offer comprehensive sinus care using advanced in-office technology, including on-site CT imaging to support accurate diagnosis when needed. If we determine Balloon Sinuplasty is the right treatment for you, we’ll schedule a quick and minimally invasive procedure.
How Does Balloon Sinuplasty Help with Chronic Sinus Infections?
Balloon Sinuplasty involves gently inflating a small balloon within the sinus cavity, which helps expand the passageways to improve drainage and reduce the risk of recurring or chronic sinus infections.
What To Expect from a Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure
Most in-office Balloon Sinuplasties use a topical decongestant and a local anesthetic to reduce inflammation and numb the inside of your nose and sinuses. During the procedure, your ENT expert will take the following steps:
- Once the nose and sinuses are numb, an endoscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera) will be guided into the nasal cavity to provide a clear view of the sinuses.
- A balloon catheter will be inserted into the sinus cavity and inflated to clear blockages. Multiple inflations may be necessary for the best outcomes.
- Once blockages are cleared, the balloon will be deflated and removed from the sinuses.
Following the procedure, your ENT expert may recommend one or more of the following care tips:
- Don’t blow your nose for 24 to 48 hours.
- Sleep with your head elevated.
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
- Rinse your nostrils with a provider-approved saline rinse.
- Use nasal corticosteroids as directed.
With proper post-op care, Balloon Sinuplasty swelling should go down in a week or two.
What Are the Long-term Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is a highly effective treatment for chronic sinusitis. A 2023 study analyzing 258 procedures performed between 2008 and 2019 reported a technical success rate of 93.6% and a patient satisfaction rate of 88.5%. The study also highlighted that proper postoperative care, including the use of nasal corticosteroids, significantly improved patient satisfaction.
Schedule Your Sinus Appointment
If you’re dealing with chronic sinus issues, our team at Midwest Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists is here to help. Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive option that can offer long-term relief with minimal downtime. Schedule a consultation to see if it’s right for you.