Dealing with sinus problems can be miserable. The symptoms can often include nasal congestion, pain and swelling. These symptoms make it hard to breathe, can be very uncomfortable and can have a devastating effect on work or home life. When sinus problems become unbearable, a minimally-invasive balloon sinuplasty procedure can help dramatically without the necessity for invasive surgery.
What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
When there is an infection in the sinuses, they can become inflamed, painful and tender to the touch. Breathing becomes painful and minimized. Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure that is used to open up the blocked sinuses that are connected to the nasal passages.
During balloon sinuplasty, a special guiding device is inserted into the nasal cavity. The device contains a camera that is connected to a monitor the physician uses to find the troublesome sinus cavity.
A flexible wire is then inserted into the guiding device. This wire contains a light that shines through the skin of the patient and is used to accurately place the balloon at the precise point it’s needed. When the physician finds the blocked sinus, a balloon catheter is directed into the sinus and inflated.
The inflation of the sinus cavity is just part of the solution. The tiny bones around the nasal passages are moved slightly as a result of the balloon inflation. This gives ample room for the balloon to expand, but also further opens up the nasal passages. All instruments are removed from the nasal passage and another sinus is located and inflated the same way if it’s necessary.
The Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally-invasive way to correct chronic sinus problems. Before balloon sinuplasty was possible, sinusitis sufferers had to have surgery. This involved the removal of tissue along the nasal passages and even a few tiny bones. With balloon sinuplasty, there is no removal of tissue or bones.
This procedure can be done in the comfort of our office on an outpatient basis. A hospital stay is very rarely ever needed. Thankfully, complications are extremely rare since the procedure is so simple.
If you are dealing with sinus problems, you don’t have to live with them. Make an appointment at Ayala ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery in McAllen to learn more information about a balloon sinuplasty procedure. Our experienced ENT specialist/plastic surgeon can help you. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation for balloon sinuplasty.