Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive treatment for sinusitis, also called chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Some people who have chronic sinus symptoms may be treated with balloon sinuplasty instead of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

What Conditions Are Treated With Balloon Sinuplasty?

More than 30 million people have chronic rhinosinusitis or CRS. Medical treatments, including antibiotics, can ease most peoples’ symptoms. But if your symptoms last more than 12 weeks, you might be recommended balloon sinuplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery

Sinusitis symptoms include:

• Stuffy nose.
• Congestion.
• Facial pressure.
• Runny nose.
• Loss of sense of smell.

What Happens During This Procedure?

If you’re being treated, your balloon sinuplasty might include the following:

• You’ll be given general anaesthesia or conscious sedation. Conscious sedation blocks pain but allows you to stay awake during the procedure.
• Your doctor will put a topical decongestant in your nose to control any bleeding you might have during the procedure.
• They’ll inject a local anaesthetic into some of the tissue that lines your nose.
• They’ll use a thin tube with a light on the end called an endoscope to insert a catheter into your nostril.
• Next, they’ll use the catheter to guide a small balloon into your sinuses.
• Then they’ll slowly inflate the balloon to gently unblock your sinuses.
• Your provider may deflate the balloon and remove it or they may repeat the process before deflating the balloon and removing it.

What Happens After Balloon Sinuplasty?

You’ll stay at the hospital or medical office until you feel comfortable leaving. Most doctors recommend you ask someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Your doctor might recommend a potential schedule of follow-up appointments and tests:

• One week after procedure: Follow-up appointment and nasal endoscopy.
• Three months after the procedure: Follow-up appointment including nasal endoscopy.
• One year after the procedure: Follow-up appointment including nasal endoscopy and general assessment of your nose health.

Risks / Benefits

What Are the Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty to treat Chronic Rhinosinusitis?

Balloon sinuplasty is a safe and minimally invasive way to treat CRS. Studies show few people who have the procedure report side effects or complications.

What are the risks or complications of this procedure?

While balloon sinuplasty has few complications, here are a few complications you might experience:

• Your nose might bleed more than you expected.
• You might develop bacterial sinusitis and need antibiotics to cure the infection.

Your symptoms might come back, requiring additional procedures such as another balloon sinuplasty or a different treatment, such as endoscopic sinus surgery.

Recovery and Outlook

What is the recovery time?

You might need to rest at home for 24 to 48 hours after your balloon sinuplasty. Your doctor might recommend the following steps to help you recover:

• Avoid blowing your nose for 24 to 48 hours.
• Rinse your nostril with nasal spray.
• If you feel congested, sleep with your head elevated.
• Avoid strenuous activity for the first week after your surgery.

When to Call the Doctor

Most people who have balloon sinuplasty notice some bloody drainage from their noses. That’s completely normal. Call your doctor if your nose bleeds a lot and you can’t control the bleeding.