New Service - Balloon Sinuplasty (Treatment for Chronic Sinusitis)
Diagram of the 4 sinus areas
Chronic sinusitis sufferers often experience pressure headaches, severe face pain, lethargy and loss of sense of smell and taste. The majority of sinusitis patients tend to live with their symptoms and take medication which range from nasal sprays to antibiotics and steroids which may help. If symptoms do not improve, the most commonly performed surgical option to date has been endoscopic sinus surgery which can invlove cutting and drilling larger holes in the delicate bones of the paranasal sinus complex, close to the brain and eyes, to improve drainage.
A less invasive technique is now available at the Spire Regency Hospital called Balloon Sinuplasty. This new technique is offered by Mr Elgan-Davies, ENT Consultant at Spire Regency. It is a minimally invasive technique that uses the same technology used by cardiologists to widen clogged arteries. Dedicated balloons widen the drainage channels from the sinuses into the nasal cavities, with the aim of improving drainage of secretions and hence relieving pressure within the sinus complex. The following pictures show how this new technique works.
Following general anaesthetic, a guided wire is fed from the nose into the sinuses and a tiny balloon is then fed along the wire to the blockage. Once safely anchored in place, the balloon is gently inflated displacing the fine bone at the sinus junction without damaging the delicate membrane lining it. The balloon is then deflated and removed. The surgery takes about 30 - 45 minutes and you should normally be able to go home the same day. To book an initial consultation with Mr Elgan-Davies to discuss Balloon sinuplasty please call 01625 505412/406 or enquire online