Balloon Sinuplasty

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Balloon sinuplasty involves little to no tissue removal inside the nose and sinuses. At the present time, it is used to open the frontal, maxillary and sphenoid sinuses. Because the technique was … Read More

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Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty is a medical process used to treat sinuses blockage, it is a minimally aggressive surgery which treats chronic sinusitis that cannot be treated with medicines like oral and nasal corticosteroids, antibiotics and nasal decongestant rinses and medications. Balloon sinuplasty involves little to no tissue removal inside the nose and sinuses. At the present time, it is used to open the frontal, maxillary and sphenoid sinuses. Because the technique was recently introduced, surgeons are still learning which patients it will work best for and when it is the appropriate choice of device for surgery. Situations that balloon sinuplasty is usually not appropriate for are cases of large nasal polyps or significant scarring from previous sinus surgery. It was initially used by the U.S. drug administration agency in 2005. It is also known as “Angioplasty for the nose”. 

Acclarent balloon sinuplasty

Acclarent balloon sinuplasty is catheter-based device designed to diagnose and treat the anatomy of a chronic sinus. It removes the obstruction in the pathway of nostrils with or without removal of cartilage or bone. In this process, the blockage of the ostium is inflated to provide proper functioning and drainage.  Benefits of acclarent balloon sinuplasty- benefits include faster recovery time, reduction in bleeding, slightly aggressive, it does not put limitations to other treatment options and safe. There are a few chances of reactions after acclarent balloon sinuplasty. Procedure- under endoscopic view, sinus Ostia is targeted in the nasal cavity through a tube. The catheter is guided across the ostium blockage. It is then inflated and excess sinus is removed. After this, ostium is left open while the catheter retreats and proper functioning in the area are restored.  Treatment of deviated septum- depending on the severity of the deviation certain treatments is conducted. These involve medications like nasal steroid sprays, decongestants and antihistamines. For chronic sinusitis, balloon sinuplasty is done for better and fast results. Septoplasty is also done to straighten the septum of the nose by detaching excess cartilage. Mild swelling and discomfort can be experienced after septoplasty for some time. It usually takes 6-7 days for complete recovery and returning to routine work.  It is a very common disorder, almost 10 million cases per year in India. It is usually self-treated with light medicines in the early stages. For early stages, one can use vaporizer or humidifier for reducing the symptoms, drinking fluids and hot water, long shower, nasal irrigator, abstaining chlorinated pools, warm wet towel for face massage, saline water spray for nasal cavity, bulb syringe and breathes in steam from hot water is beneficial as well.

Who is eligible for balloon sinuplasty?

It shows maximum effective results in patients with severe nasal problems, extreme headache surrounding eyes, foul mouth taste or bad breath, chronic sinus infections and difficulty in breathing through the nose. It is also effective in dealing with long-lasting chronic sinusitis. In a long time blocked nasal pathways can lead to jaw ache, insomnia and extreme headache. Balloon sinuplasty removes such difficulties by forcing the expansion of passage. 

Balloon sinuplasty surgery

It is performed under the observation of a doctor. Primary tests are conducted like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an x-ray of the affected area and other tests necessary. It is performed under anaesthesia to avoid discomfort during the procedure. With the help of a camera attached at the tip of the wire, a catheter with a flexible balloon is guided in the nostril. This balloon is inflated to enhance the opening of the sinus for rest procedure. By applying a saline solution, mucus and pus are flushed out. Then the balloon in the passage of sinus will readjust the cartilage around sinus which will reduce the pressure to the adjacent area.  After surgery, the patient can restart his or her daily routine work within 48 to 72 hours. Slight discomfort is expected. Mucus discharge or flow of blood can occur at times. Other symptoms after treatment are congestion, fatigue and mild swelling. These symptoms automatically disappear after 5-7 days. To recover fast, heavy straining activities should be avoided and the head should be slightly elevated while sleeping for at least a week. 

What to expect after balloon sinuplasty?

After balloon sinuplasty, the patient may experience congestion, swelling around the treated area and fatigue for some time due to anaesthesia. It can continue for days till total recovery is achieved. A patient can expect some problem of bleeding and mucus flow from the nose. Less chewy foods and Fluids are recommended in the diet for a few days to avoid any stress while eating. 

Side effects of balloon sinuplasty

It is not suitable for treating chronic sinusitis in patients. It can be dangerous in patients with other problems like Cystic fibrosis, facial trauma and fungal sinusitis often called severe polyposis, disease of Eosinophilic, many septal deviations and Samter’s triad. Other side effects are the flow of blood for some time, tenderness of cheek, forehead and nasal passage, infection due to improper removal of sinuses, congestion and mild swelling in the nasal cavity and surrounding area. 

Benefits of balloon sinuplasty

Certain risks come with other advantages. Balloon sinuplasty is effective in almost all the patients and safe as well.  Some primary benefits involve faster recovery as compared to other surgery that is functional endoscopic sinus surgery and normal activities can be resumed after few days; balloon sinuplasty does not involve any removal of bone, sinus cartilage or tissue which means there is no need for nasal packing and bleeding is negligible and it is minimally aggressive as there is no requirement for a cut in the nostril. This leads to less swelling, pain, bleeding and bruising. It is suitable for patients who are not eligible for other aggressive surgeries. No frequent visits are necessary; risk of infections after an operation is less, reduction in the chance of damage of tissues or structure, fewer chances of inflammation and scarring and lower risk of reactions from anesthesia. It cures the problem of snoring which occurs due to improper breathing. 

Does balloon sinuplasty work?

Yes, it has effective results. According to the study, most patients informed about an improved condition in 4 to 6 months after the procedure. It ensured healthy and clear nasal passage and tissues, the structure of septum and membrane for mucus. It also worked in children in reducing symptoms. It is successful in almost 93% of cases of younger ones. So far improved technology ensured better results in less time mostly in a week.  Some facts about balloon sinuplasty involve its recognition in 2005 by the United States food and drug administration (FDA). Balloon sinuplasty is helpful in the reduction of rhinosinusitis symptoms and it is now fully covered by several medical insurance companies. It is suitable for performing in patients with other disorders such as sphenoid, frontal, maxillary, asthma and allergies.

Symptoms

The septum is the bone and wall of cartilage which divides nostrils into two parts. When this septum is deviated, it causes breathing problems along with chronic sinusitis and congestion. It affects the shape and appearance of the nose. 

Symptoms of deviated septum- the symptoms can range from mild to severe and these include breathing problems, a tilted appearance of the nose, severe headaches, frequent bleeding of nose, mucus dripping and other deformities. 

• facial pain and pressure
• blocked nose
• nasal discharge
• reduced sense of smell
• congestion
• cough

In more advanced cases, the following symptoms may also be present:

• fever
• halitosis, or foul-smelling breath
• tiredness
• toothache
• headache

Causes

Sinusitis can stem from various factors, but it always results from fluid becoming trapped in the sinuses. This fuels the growth of germs.

• Viruses: In adults, 90 percent cases of sinusitis result from a virus
• Bacteria: In adults, 1 case in 10 is caused by bacteria
• Pollutants: Chemicals or irritants in the air can trigger a buildup of mucus
• Fungi: The sinuses either react to fungi in the air, as in allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS), or they are invaded by fungi, as in chronic indolent sinusitis.

FAQ

What is the cost of balloon sinuplasty?

The cost ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. This can range more depending on hospital facilities and other formalities. Medicines and injections prescribed by a doctor can add up for a hefty cost. It costs more in highly developed cities.

What are the complications after balloon sinuplasty?

The chances of complications are extremely low, though mild side effects include the flow of blood, mucus release, swelling, pain and bruises on the area. Heavy exercises must be avoided to reduce the risk of these complications. 

Is balloon sinuplasty painful?

No, balloon sinuplasty is not painful as it is performed under anaesthesia which numbs the area to be treated to avoid any pain or discomfort. After surgery, mild swelling, pain or discomfort is normal though it vanishes itself after some time. 

How long does balloon sinuplasty take?

Balloon sinuplasty takes almost 24-30 minutes. Even recovery is for a short period to overcome the effect of anaesthesia. The complete recovery is, however, takes 5-7 days. Before preparation is also less time taking and overnight stay is not needed in balloon sinuplasty.

How to prepare for balloon sinuplasty treatment?

Avoid all previous medications before treatment, consumption of diet and medicines according to doctor’s prescription is must and all other formalities must be done beforehand. A patient must be accompanied by someone to help him way back home.