Balloon Sinuplasty vs. Traditional Sinus Surgery in Gilbert, AZ

Chronic sinusitis can be frustrating. Common symptoms like nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, sinus pain and pressure, headaches, and postnasal drip can impact daily productivity, sleep quality, and comfort.

Sinus surgery is a common procedure that can help address chronic sinusitis, remove nasal polyps, and treat other sinus conditions. If medications do not work, your ENT care provider in Gilbert, AZ, may recommend sinus surgery.

If you’re considering sinus surgery to help address and manage chronic sinus issues, there are a few things you should learn first about sinus surgery, specifically, traditional sinus surgery and balloon sinuplasty.

What Is Sinus Surgery?

Sinus surgery is a procedure designed to treat chronic sinusitis, remove nasal polyps, and address other sinus conditions. At our ENT clinic in Gilbert, AZ, sinus surgery may be recommended when the sinus issues are severe, and medications don’t help in managing them.

If your ENT doctor determines that you are qualified for sinus surgery, there are two main types: balloon sinuplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat chronic sinusitis. It uses a small balloon catheter inserted into the affected sinus cavity. The procedure is meant to open blocked sinus passages, expand the sinus openings, improve sinus drainage, and enhance breathing.

Some patients with chronic sinusitis whose condition has not responded to medical treatment or those who experience recurring sinus infections may be considered appropriate candidates for balloon sinuplasty, as determined by an ENT specialist.

What happens during the procedure?

During the procedure, your provider applies local anesthesia to the nasal tissues before inserting a small, flexible balloon catheter into the nose and the affected sinus cavity. Once in place, the balloon is gently inflated, potentially widening the sinus passages and improving sinus drainage. Then, the balloon is deflated and removed.

What is healing and recovery like after balloon sinuplasty?

After the procedure, patients stay in the hospital or medical office until they feel comfortable leaving. Your medical provider may recommend that you ask someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

During your pre-procedure consultation, your doctor will walk you through the procedure and what you can expect after. Some general post-procedure tips for healing and recovery may include:

• Using nasal packing, if deemed necessary
• Avoid blowing your nose for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure
• Rinsing your nose with a saline nasal spray
• Sleeping with your head elevated to minimize post-procedure congestion
• Avoiding strenuous activities for at least a week after the procedure

Many patients are able to resume normal daily activities relatively quickly. However, recovery time and post-procedure experiences vary depending on individual factors. There may be some side effects, including slightly bloody nasal drainage, temporary and mild swelling of the treatment area, and temporary congestion.

Your care provider will also discuss follow-up appointments to monitor healing and recovery.

What Is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive sinus surgery designed to treat chronic sinusitis and remove nasal polyps. The procedure allows ENT care providers to operate on the sinuses through the nostrils, which means no cuts or incisions are made around the nasal area, leaving no visible scars.

If medications don’t seem to work or manage your symptoms well, your healthcare provider may recommend FESS as a potential next step.

What happens during the procedure?

During the procedure, your ENT doctor gives you general anesthesia to put you to sleep during the procedure and then injects a numbing solution into your nose. Then, they insert a nasal endoscope (a thin tube with a camera on one end) into the affected sinus cavity through the nostril. Then, they use specialized instruments to remove bone, diseased tissue, or nasal polyps that might be blocking the sinuses.

What is healing and recovery like after FESS?

After the procedure, you will stay in the hospital or medical office for a few hours until you wake up from the general anesthesia. Your medical provider might also recommend that you have someone take you to and from your appointment.

Generally, here are post-procedure tips to aid you in healing and recovery:

• 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 your mouth open
• Avoid strenuous activities as directed by your healthcare provider

Your care provider will also discuss follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and recovery after the procedure.

As with any procedure, there are some side effects, including bleeding, stuffiness, and discomfort. Healing and recovery timelines vary per patient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Surgery in Gilbert, AZ

What is chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis is characterized by a long-lasting irritation, swelling, and inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses, which are the hollow, air-filled spaces located behind the nose, cheekbones, and forehead. The sinuses humidify the air we breathe. But sometimes, they become irritated and swell, trapping mucus.

Common symptoms can include:

• Stuffy nose with thick yellow or green mucus discharge
• Tenderness or pressure around the nose, eyes, cheeks, and forehead
• Cough
• Ear pain
• Toothache
• Postnasal drip, or mucus dripping down the back of the throat
• Loss of taste or smell
• Chronic bad breath (halitosis)

Chronic sinusitis may last for 12 weeks or more.

Which sinus surgery is right for me?

Both balloon sinuplasty and FESS are widely used treatment options that may be appropriate for certain patients with persistent sinus issues that don’t respond to medications.

Generally, balloon sinuplasty may be considered for individuals who have chronic sinusitis with mild to moderate symptoms, depending on clinical evaluation.

On the other hand, FESS might be recommended for individuals with severe chronic sinusitis symptoms. It’s a recommended treatment option for patients with nasal polyps, deviated septums, or other structural issues that might be contributing to persistent and chronic sinus issues, based on clinical assessment and findings.

Your ENT care provider can help assess your symptoms, their severity, and the underlying cause to help determine which type of surgery is most appropriate for your condition.

Is sinus surgery worth it?

Sinus issues, even if they are persistent, are not exactly life-threatening. However, they can affect daily productivity, sleep quality, comfort, and eventually, the quality of life.

A consultation with your ENT care provider in Gilbert, AZ, can help determine if your condition will benefit from sinus surgery.

Learn More About Sinus Surgery in Gilbert, AZ

This is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. We encourage patients to consult with their healthcare provider for personalized diagnosis and treatment.

Trinity ENT is an ENT care provider serving the residents of Gilbert, Arizona, and the nearby East Valley communities. Patients seeking evaluation and sinus surgery in Gilbert, AZ, may contact our team for a consultation.