People suffering from chronic sinusitis often experience severe face pain, pressure headaches, 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 to date has been endoscopic sinus surgery which involves cutting and drilling larger holes in the delicate bones of the paranasal sinus complex, near to the brain and eyes, to improve drainage.
Diagram of the 4 sinus areas
A less invasive technique, called Balloon Sinuplasty, is now available at Spire Leeds - the only private hospital in West Yorkshire currently offering this treatment.
The new procedure uses the same technology cardiologists use to widen clogged arteries. Dedicated balloons broaden 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 new technique 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. |
Step 3
The balloon is deflated and then removed |
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 this new procedure at Spire Leeds Hospital.
Balloon sinuplasty will generally benefit people suffering from:
- 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)
The procedure is normally covered by private medical insurers and is also available to patients wishing to self-fund.
For further information, please contact our customer service advisers at Spire Leeds Hospital on 0113 218 5967 / 5977 or enquire online.