Have you ever heard of a medical procedure known as “balloon sinus surgery”? This technique is used minimally invasively to treat chronic or recurring sinusitis. Surgeons use a small balloon inserted through the nose to widen the sinus openings. In the following lines, we will review some important information about the sinus balloon procedure, and ask whether it is really an effective option.

**What are the sinuses?**

 

The sinuses are spaces located inside the human nose, specifically in the back of it. When these sinuses are exposed to inflammation or health problems, they may swell and show symptoms such as nasal congestion and difficulty breathing, prompting the patient to breathe through the mouth. The patient also feels pain and swelling in the area around the eyes. Sinusitis can occur as a result of infection or due to the growth of abnormal tissue inside the sinuses, such as polyps, and the lining of the sinuses themselves may swell. In general, sinus problems affect both adults and children.

**Is balloon sinus surgery effective?**

 

Balloon sinus dilation is a safe and effective treatment for sinusitis patients. It helps patients recover faster, reduces complications, and requires less medication and follow-up after surgery.

Is balloon sinus surgery a permanent solution?

 

Balloon sinuplasty is effective for patients with chronic sinusitis or recurrent sinusitis. For many, it can provide long-term relief, making it a permanent option.

**Sinus balloon surgery success rate**

 

Balloon sinuplasty has a 99% success rate. However, some patients with sinus polyps, fungal infections, or tumors in the sinus openings may need corrective surgery in the future. Other procedures such as sinuplasty, turbinate correction, and septoplasty can also help improve breathing.

**How ​​long does balloon sinus dilation take?**

 

The time it takes to perform balloon sinus dilation varies depending on the individual case. The average time is about 3 hours, including the procedure itself and monitoring time after general anesthesia.

**Does balloon sinus dilation require general anesthesia?**

 

Yes, most patients undergo balloon sinus dilation under general anesthesia, but some people may also undergo it under local anesthesia. The doctor will determine the most appropriate option based on the patient’s condition.

**Does balloon sinus dilation cause pain?**

 

When balloon sinus dilation is performed under general anesthesia, the patient will not feel any pain. Likewise, in the case of local anesthesia, the patient may be asked to take pain medication 1-2 hours before the procedure. After the procedure is completed, the patient may feel mild to moderate pain or discomfort in the nose for 6-8 hours, which may require pain medication.

**What is balloon sinus dilation?**

 

Balloon sinus dilation is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to relieve the symptoms of chronic sinusitis. It involves the use of a small, flexible balloon catheter that is inserted into blocked sinus passages. When the balloon is inflated, the sinus openings are gently reshaped and widened, improving drainage and ventilation. The procedure can be performed in an office setting under local or general anesthesia.

**Am I a good candidate for balloon sinus dilation?**

 

You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you have severe sinusitis that doesn’t respond to medical treatments. You may also be a candidate if you have difficulty breathing through your nose or have persistent nasal problems.

**What happens before balloon sinus dilation?**

 

During your consultation, your otolaryngologist will review your medical history, ask you about your symptoms, and perform a nasal examination. The doctor will also order a CT scan to determine if balloon sinus dilation is the right treatment for your condition.

**How ​​to perform balloon sinus dilation**

 

Balloon sinus dilation involves the use of an endoscope, a flexible tube with a balloon at the end. This procedure aims to open blocked sinuses, facilitating the natural drainage of mucus from the airways. Here are the steps to perform balloon sinus dilation:

1. The doctor inserts the endoscope into the inflamed sinus.

2. The balloon is inflated to widen the opening of the sinus.

3. A saline solution is used to irrigate the inflamed sinuses, helping them get rid of accumulated mucus and pus.

4. After completion, the doctor removes the endoscope, leaving the sinuses open.

Is balloon sinus surgery safe for everyone?

 

Balloon sinus surgery is an effective option for people with the following conditions:

1- No fluid or tumors in the nose.

2- Sinusitis.

This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and is generally considered safe, although it may cause some pain for a long time. The areas around the cheeks (maxillary sinuses), forehead (frontal sinuses), or back of the nose (sphenoid sinuses) are numbed. This procedure is usually performed on adults, but it may also be appropriate for children who have not had success with other treatments for sinusitis. It is important to consult a doctor first about the risks and possible side effects.

How is balloon sinus dilation performed?

 

The sinus dilation procedure involvesBalloon sinuplasty has several main steps:

1. **Preparation**: It begins with anesthetizing the patient, either using local or general anesthesia.

2. **Insertion**: A thin, flexible balloon catheter is inserted through the nostril, and directed toward the blocked sinus passage.

3. **Inflation**: After the balloon is in place, it is carefully inflated, gently expanding the sinus opening. This step aims to reshape the sinus passage without affecting the surrounding tissues.

4. **Deflation and Removal**: After the sinus passage is expanded, the balloon is deflated and removed. The sinuses are then flushed with saline to remove mucus and debris.

5. **Completion**: The procedure usually takes about an hour, and patients are often able to return to their daily activities within a day or two.

**Preparations before balloon sinuplasty**

 

**Necessary diagnostic tests** There are several ways to diagnose chronic sinusitis. Here are some common tests used to evaluate the condition:

- The doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope into the nose to get a clear view of the sinuses.

**Imaging tests** CT scans or MRIs provide detailed images of the sinuses and nasal area, which can help detect any blockages or problems.

**Nasal and sinus samples** Laboratory tests are not necessary in all cases, but sometimes tissue samples taken from the nose or sinuses can help determine the cause of the problem.

**Allergy testing** If allergies are suspected to be the cause of chronic sinusitis, a skin test can help identify the specific allergens.

**Benefits of balloon sinuplasty**

 

Balloon sinuplasty has several advantages over traditional sinus surgery:

- **Less invasive**: This procedure does not require any cutting or removal of bone or tissue, which reduces discomfort and lowers the risk of complications.

- **Quick recovery**: Most patients experience a short recovery period, with many returning to work and daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.

- **Effective relief**: Clinical research has shown that sinus balloon surgery provides long-term relief from chronic sinusitis symptoms, such as nasal congestion, facial pain, and pressure.

- **Reduced pain and discomfort**: Thanks to the gentle nature of this procedure, patients typically experience less pain after the procedure than with traditional sinus surgery.

- **In-office procedure**: Balloon sinuplasty can often be performed in a doctor’s office, eliminating the need for a hospital stay and reducing overall treatment costs.

Who can benefit from sinus balloon surgery?

 

Balloon sinuplasty is an option for patients with chronic sinusitis who have not achieved significant improvement with medical treatments such as antibiotics, nasal sprays, or other medications. It is particularly suitable for individuals who suffer from:

- Frequent or persistent sinus infections

- Sinus headaches or facial pain

- Nasal congestion or blockage

However, not all patients with sinusitis are candidates for balloon sinus surgery. Those with severe sinusitis, nasal polyps, or certain anatomical abnormalities may require more traditional surgical interventions.

What happens after the procedure?

 

Most patients can go home the same day of the procedure and resume their daily activities within 24 to 48 hours. You may experience mild pain in the nasal area after the procedure, which can be controlled with over-the-counter medications. You may notice some bleeding or nasal discharge during the week following surgery, which is normal and will resolve within 5 to 7 days. You will be given a saline solution to clean your nasal passages for a week, which will remove mucus and debris from your nose, helping to prevent congestion and keep your nose clean. It is recommended to avoid blowing your nose for the first two days after surgery, and to refrain from strenuous activities for at least a week. It is also preferable to keep your head and neck elevated while sleeping with an additional pillow.

**Possible complications of balloon sinus surgery**

 

Some bloody discharge from the nose may occur.

A feeling of pain around the nose, eyes, and forehead is common, but can be relieved with medication.

Temporary swelling of the face may occur, especially near the eyes and nose.

Nasal congestion and stuffiness are common for a short period after the procedure.

Infection can occur if saline nasal washes are not used according to the doctor’s recommendations.

**What to expect during the recovery period**

 

Recovery from balloon sinus surgery is usually quick and smooth. Here are some stages of recovery:

- Mild discomfort: Patients may feel mild discomfort, nasal congestion, or sinus pressure for a few days after the procedure.

- Short downtime: Most people can return to work and daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.

- Aftercare: Follow-up appointments with an ENT specialist are essential to ensure proper healing and address any concerns that may arise.

- Symptom relief: Many patients notice an improvement in their symptoms within a week, and continue to feel comfortable as their sinuses heal.

### What to do before surgery**

 

**Stop taking certain medications and supplements**: It is recommended that you stop taking medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and tabletsGarlic, ginseng, and fish oil to reduce the risk of bleeding.

**Discuss blood thinners**: If you are taking blood thinners, ask your doctor when it is appropriate to stop taking them before the procedure.

**Avoid smoking**: You are asked to quit smoking before surgery and continue to do so for at least a month after the procedure to promote healing.

**Wear comfortable clothing**: It is preferable to wear loose clothing and avoid jewelry on the day of the procedure.

**Take a shower**: It is recommended to take a shower before the procedure to maintain personal hygiene.

### What to avoid before surgery**

 

**Avoid drinking alcohol**: You are asked to abstain from drinking alcohol for two weeks before the surgery, as it can lead to swelling and bleeding.

**Do not eat or drink**: It is recommended not to eat or drink anything for 8 to 12 hours before the procedure to ensure the safety of the anesthesia.

**Post-Surgery Care and Recovery**

**Hospital Stay and Initial Recovery** Balloon sinuplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning you won’t need to stay overnight. Patients can go home within 15 to 30 minutes after the procedure. Home rest is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

Here are some tips to follow:

 

- Avoid blowing your nose for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.

- Sleep with your head elevated to help drain fluids and reduce pain and swelling.

- Take your prescribed medications at the specified times.

- Choose soft foods that are easy to chew.