- Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively new procedure, having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005.
- This procedure is becoming more popular because it has lower risks and a quicker recovery time than traditional sinus surgery.
- Surveys indicate that 91% of patients say that they would have a balloon procedure again, with only 49% of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Patients saying that they would opt for the same procedure.
“We like the fact that balloon sinuplasty patients can pretty much resume normal activity soon after the procedure,” Dr. Schalch Lepe told Business Daily. “We always ask patients to just be reasonable and not do super strange activities or do a lot of heavy lifting or anything like that in the first few days after the procedure. There's a lot to be said to be able to resume normal activity and to be able to just go about what you need to do after actually having done a procedure that's very important that will hopefully help you with your sinus issues.”
According to Healthline, balloon sinuplasty is most often recommended for people with chronic sinusitis, after other treatments for their condition have been ineffective. Balloon sinuplasty is fairly straightforward, and reported complications are minimal. There’s no cutting and no removal of bones or tissue. After a balloon sinuplasty procedure, many people are able to return to their regular activities within a day or two. Some people even drive themselves home from the procedure.
Balloon sinuplasty is performed in a hospital or the office of an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, according to Healthline. A balloon sinuplasty procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Patients will consult with their doctor to develop an anesthesia plan, ensuring they understand what to expect during the procedure.
During the procedure, a small wire with a tiny flashlight at the tip is inserted into the sinus cavity, allowing the surgeon to see clearly as they work. Next, a slim, flexible balloon catheter is gently inserted into the sinus passage. The balloon is then gradually inflated to widen the sinus opening. The doctor will then flush out built-up pus and mucus in the sinus cavity with a saline solution. Patients will feel a decrease in pressure when this happens. While the balloon is in the sinus passage, it gently restructures the bones around the sinuses. Once this process is complete, doctors will remove the balloon. This leaves the sinus passage widened and free of built-up pressure.
According to SoCal Breathe Free's website, Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe is an otolaryngologist and ENT doctor based in San Diego. His specialties include sinus, allergy, and sleep treatments. Dr. Schalch Lepe completed his residency in otolaryngology at UC Irvine Medical Center, affiliated with UC Irvine School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the School of Medicine at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico in Mexico City.