Balloon Sinuplasty

Tiny telescopes called endoscopes revolutionised nasal and sinus surgery by letting the rhinologists or sinus surgeons ‘observe’ the insides of nasal and sinus passages. Newer advances – such as the balloon dilating catheter and its adaptation to sinus surgery – are improving sinus surgeries’ effectiveness and accuracy.

There are two ways of using the balloon dilating catheter: –

Like any other instrument or tool used during functional endoscopic sinus surgery where it is employed as a minimally invasive tool during a tissue removal procedure.
Like a stand-alone procedure where only the balloon (no other instrumentation) is used to open a sinus and no tissue is actually removed from the level of the sinus opening.

Conditions treated

Chronic sinusitis

Why this surgery?

For treating chronic sinusitis that has shown an insufficient response to long-term medical management including antibiotic courses.

Benefits

Treating chronic sinusitis that has shown an insufficient response to long-term medical management including antibiotic courses.

Know more about Baloon Sinuplasty Surgery

Pre-Surgery Preparations

If the patient is on any blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, omega 3 and/or vitamin E, they should stop their intake at least a week before the surgery.
Till the preceding night of the surgery, duly take all medications prescribed by the ENT surgeon.
The patient will have to abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol, 3-4 weeks prior to the surgery.
Medications prescribed for heart, asthma, seizures, or high blood pressure can be taken on the morning of surgery.

Post Surgery Preparations

Pain medication is to be taken after surgery.
Diet will be as instructed by the doctor.
Take rest and avoid excessive activity on the day of the procedure. Light exercise is allowed for one week following the procedure.
Some bleeding is expected for a day or two after surgery. Change the dressing as needed. If there is excessive bleeding, visit the doctor.
Mucous drainage is normal post-surgery. Please wait for at least 12 hours to blow nose.
it is normal to have a ‘stuffy’ feeling in the nose for 1 week after the surgery.
The patient must use the prescribed nasal sprays as instructed by the doctor.

Follow-ups

The patient should make a follow up appointment for 2 weeks after the surgery unless otherwise instructed.

Potential Complications

Bleeding: Some degree of bleeding is expected in nasal surgeries for a few days.
The patient can experience nasal, cheek, or forehead tenderness.
Can cause nasal congestion
There is a risk of developing an infection, usually from a failure to properly cleanse the sinuses after surgery.
In very rare case, sinuplasty has been reported to cause more severe symptoms, like damage to the structures that separate the brain from the sinuses.
Another rare complication is that Sinuplasty can affect an individual’s sense of smell, and the appearance of their nose.