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 involve cutting and drilling larger holes in the delicate bones of the paranasal sinus complex, close to the brain and eyes, to improve drainage.
Diagram of the 4 sinus areas
A less invasive technique, Balloon Sinuplasty, is now available at the Spire Yale Hospital, the only centre in Wales offering this service. This new technique is offered by Mr Arvind Arya, ENT Consultant at Spire Yale. 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 Arvind Arya to discuss Balloon Sinuplasty please call 01978 262 462 or enquire online.