Understanding Balloon Sinuplasty
What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty (BSP) is a minimally invasive procedure that is an option for patients who have chronic rhinosinusitis. It involves using a wire with a small balloon on it that essentially opens the sinuses to restore the normal drainage and function of the sinuses. It can be performed in office by an otolaryngologist.
Balloon Sinuplasty Risks
The risk of serious complications from balloon sinuplasty is extremely low. The main complication seen with balloon sinuplasty is a minor bacterial infection following the procedure that can be treated with antibiotics and is only seen in a small number of patients.
Who is a candidate for balloon sinuplasty?
Patients who have chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, have failed other medical treatments, and have a CT scan indicating their sinuses have an obstruction are candidates for balloon sinuplasty. Other characteristics of eligible patients include headaches around the eyes, chronic bad breath, and difficulty breathing through the nose.
Does Balloon Sinuplasty Really work?
Patients that have had balloon sinuplasty procedure have reported positive results. It has been shown to provide symptom relief in majority of the patients that undergo the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is balloon sinuplasty painful?
Patients have reported minimal pain with this procedure as no incisions are performed. Patients can experience mild discomfort for a short period of time following the procedure.
- Is balloon sinuplasty permanent?
The results are permanent and additional procedures are not required.
- How do you sleep after balloon sinuplasty?
After the procedure, it is recommended that patients sleep with their head elevated to relieve any discomfort caused by increased drainage following the procedure.
- Are you awake during balloon sinuplasty?
Most patients are asleep, under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
Resources
Lofgren DH, Shermetaro C. Balloon Sinuplasty. 2021 Dec 15. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 31536277.
Balloon Sinuplasty. Cedars. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2022
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/b/balloon-sinuplasty.html
Balloon sinuplasty. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2022, from
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/balloon-sinuplast
