What is balloon sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure that widens the sinus passageways and can help treat chronic sinusitis. A small balloon is fed into the sinus passageway and inflated to widen the passageway walls, with the goal of restoring normal sinus drainage without damaging the sinus lining.
What is chronic sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis is caused by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses and symptoms can include nasal congestion, face pain, headaches, dizziness, lethargy and loss of sense of smell and taste.
Many sinusitis patients tend to live with their symptoms and take medication such as nasal sprays, antibiotics and steroids which may help. If symptoms do not improve, the most frequently performed operation until recently has been endoscopic sinus surgery which involves cutting and drilling larger holes in the bones of the paranasal sinus complex to improve drainage.
Balloon sinuplasty is a less invasive technique using similar technology cardiologists use to widen clogged arteries. Once inflated, the balloon broadens the drainage channels from the sinuses into the nasal cavities, aiming to improve drainage of secretions and hence relieve pressure within the sinus complex. The following illustrations demonstrate how this works.
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Step 1
Following general anaesthetic, a guided wire is fed from the nose to the sinuses.
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Step 2
A tiny balloon is passed through the wire to the blockage. When secured in place, the balloon is inflated, displacing the fine bone at the sinus junction without damaging the membrane lining it.
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Step 3
The balloon is deflated and then removed
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Following general anaesthetic, a guided wire is fed from the nose into the sinuses. A tiny balloon is then passed through the wire to the blockage. Once the balloon is secured safely in place, it 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 approximately 30 - 45 minutes.
Patients are usually able to go home the same day.
Who is suitable for balloon sinuplasty?
If you have chronic sinusitis, you may be suitable for treatment with balloon sinuplasty.
Balloon sinuplasty can benefit people suffering from the symptoms of chronic sinusitis including:
- Facial pain, a feeling of pressure, congestion or fullness around the nose
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Nasal obstruction or blockage
- Nasal discharge/purulence
- Loss of smell or taste
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dental pain
- Halitosis (bad breath)
Why should I consider having balloon sinuplasty at a Spire hospital?
Whether you have medical insurance or are paying for your treatment yourself, with Spire Healthcare you will be seen quickly by the consultant-grade surgeon of your choice at a time that suits you. You will be treated in a premium private hospital with some of the UK's highest standards of cleanliness and infection control.
To find out more about having a sinus operation privately or to get a guide price, simply