Overview

` Chronic and recurrent sinusitis can cause lot of discomfort and pain, affecting the quality of life. Medical treatment with antibiotics, nasal steroid sprays and antihistamines form the initial treatment.

When medical therapy fails despite numerous attempts, traditional sinus surgery and Balloon sinuplasty are the next good options. Usually a CT scan of sinuses is obtained to identify the affected sinuses and rule out any anatomical abnormalities.

The Balloon Sinus Dilatational system or Sinuplasty uses intricate high pressure, low volume balloons to open the natural drainage pathways and restore natural sinus ventilation & drainage.

This FDA approved technique has provided excellent results and outcomes in various centers across the world.

Studies have shown that the openings remain open in the long term with reduced frequency of sinus infections, improved work productivity and improved quality of life. The results of balloon sinuplasty is same as the traditional sinus surgery done in the operating room.

1. Balloon dilation is done in clinic under local anesthesia, produces faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and fewer visits than traditional sinus surgery. There is significant, durable benefit in a large series of 358 patients undergoing balloon dilation.


2. Balloon dilation has demonstrated significantly greater improvements in quality of life compared with those who elected ongoing medical management. These results were achieved through office-based procedures with the patient under local anesthesia.


3. Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively simple procedure done in the office under local anesthesia and patient goes home the same day. Turbinate reduction can also done in same sitting with the aim of reducing the bulk of the turbinate, allowing for better airflow.

Most insurances including Medicare covers both these procedures.

References:

1. Bikhazi N et al Standalone balloon dilation versus sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial with 1-year follow-up. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2014 Jul-Aug;28(4):323-9.


2. Chandra RK et al REMODEL larger cohort with long-term outcomes and meta-analysis of standalone balloon dilation studies. Laryngoscope. 2016 Jan;126(1):44-50.


3. Payne SC et al Medical therapy versus sinus surgery by using balloon sinus dilation technology: A prospective multicenter study. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2016 Jul;30(4):279-86.