Balloon Sinuplasty vs. Traditional Sinus Surgery in Las Vegas, NV
Chronic sinusitis is the irritation and swelling of the sinus linings, where symptoms like nasal congestion, postnasal drip, breathing difficulties, and sinus pain and pressure can last for several weeks.
For patients whose symptoms don’t respond to medications and other forms of treatment, your ENT care provider in Henderson and Las Vegas, NV, may recommend sinus surgery. It’s a common procedure that can address chronic sinusitis, remove nasal polyps, and treat other chronic sinus conditions.
There are two common types of sinus surgery: balloon sinuplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Let’s dive deep into what these procedures are, how they’re different, and who might benefit from them.
What Is Sinus Surgery?
Sinus surgery is a common treatment option for some cases of chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and other persistent sinus issues. It may be recommended as a treatment option to patients whose symptoms and condition don’t respond well to medications.
Our ENT clinics in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV, provide ENT evaluations to help determine if sinus surgery may be an appropriate treatment based on your symptoms, clinical findings, and medical history.
If recommended, you will learn that there are two common types of sinus surgery: balloon sinuplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive ENT procedure that can treat some cases of chronic sinusitis. An ENT care provider may recommend this procedure to patients whose symptoms do not respond well to medications. An ENT consultation can help determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure, based on clinical findings, the severity of your symptoms, and your medical history.
The procedure uses a small balloon catheter that is inserted into the affected sinus cavity. It’s designed to widen the sinus passages, which may help clear blocked sinuses and improve overall sinus function.
What happens during the procedure?
Before the procedure, the ENT doctor injects local anesthesia to numb the tissues lining the sinuses. Then, they insert a small and flexible balloon catheter into the affected nasal cavity through the nose. Once in place, the balloon is gently inflated, which can potentially widen the sinus passages and improve sinus drainage. Then, the balloon is deflated and removed.
What is healing and recovery like after the procedure?
During your pre-procedure consultation, your ENT doctor may recommend that you have someone take you to and from your appointment for safety. They will also give you detailed instructions on how you should proceed for the next couple of weeks to aid healing and recovery. Generally, these instructions may include:
- Use nasal packing if needed
- Avoid blowing your nose for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
- Rinse your nose with a saline nasal spray
- Sleep with your head elevated to minimize post-procedure congestion
- Avoid strenuous activities for about seven days after the procedure
After the procedure, you will stay in the hospital or the medical office until you are comfortable leaving. Your doctor will also discuss follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and recovery after the procedure.
Recovery timelines vary depending on several individual factors. Potential risks and side effects may include swelling in the treatment area, congestion, and slightly bloody nasal drainage.
What Is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive sinus surgery that may potentially treat chronic sinusitis and remove nasal polyps. This procedure allows ENT doctors to operate on the sinuses through the nostrils. No cuts or incisions are made around the nasal area, leaving no visible scars.
ENT physicians may recommend this procedure for patients whose symptoms do not improve despite medications or other forms of medical treatment. An ENT consultation can help assess and determine if you are an ideal candidate for this procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
Before the procedure begins, your ENT doctor will give you general anesthesia so you are asleep through it. Then, they inject a numbing solution into the nose to numb the treatment area.
The doctor inserts a nasal endoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera on one end, into the affected sinus cavity through the nostril. Then, they use specialized instruments to remove nasal polyps, bone, or any diseased tissue that may be causing persistent nasal blockage.
What is healing and recovery like after the procedure?
Your doctor may suggest that you have someone take you to and from your appointment. During your pre-procedure consultation, they will also walk you through healing and recovery tips, which may include:
- Avoid blowing your nose for at least seven days after the procedure
- Rinse your nose with a saline nasal spray
- When you sneeze, do so with an open mouth
- Avoid strenuous activities as directed by your doctor
When the procedure is done, you will stay in the hospital or medical office until you wake up from general anesthesia. Your doctor will discuss how recovery timelines and healing experiences vary, as well as follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.
Potential risks and side effects include bleeding, swelling, and discomfort in the treatment area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada
What is chronic sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis is characterized by the irritation, swelling, and inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses, which are hollow, air-filled spaces located behind the nose, cheekbones, and forehead. The sinuses produce mucus and humidify the air we breathe. But sometimes, they become irritated and inflamed, which traps mucus.
Chronic sinusitis is a long-lasting condition where symptoms can last longer than 12 weeks. Common symptoms include:
- Stuffy nose with thick yellow or green nasal discharge
- Postnasal drip, or mucus dripping down the back of the throat
- Pressure, pain, or tenderness around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead
- Ear pain
- Toothache
- Cough
- Loss of taste or smell
- Halitosis, or chronic bad breath
Which type of sinus surgery is right for me?
Both balloon sinuplasty and FESS are widely used sinus surgeries that may be recommended to patients whose symptoms don’t respond well to medications or other typical forms of treatment.
Generally, balloon sinuplasty is recommended for chronic sinusitis patients with mild to moderate symptoms. FESS may be the appropriate treatment for chronic sinusitis patients with more severe symptoms. It may also be the appropriate treatment for patients with structural issues such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum.
Treatment recommendations depend on multiple factors, including symptom severity, imaging findings, and individual medical history. An ENT evaluation is necessary to determine the most appropriate option.
Is sinus surgery worth it?
Chronic sinus issues are not life-threatening. However, if not managed properly, they can impact daily life, productivity, sleep, and comfort. Your ENT care provider can help determine if you may benefit from sinus surgery.
Learn More About Sinus Surgery Options in Las Vegas, NV
This article is provided by Las Vegas Sinus & ENT Center, an ear, nose, and throat care provider with clinics in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada.
Patients who wish to learn more about our Las Vegas and Henderson clinics, services, and specialties can visit our website.