Balloon Sinuplasty vs. Traditional Sinus Surgery in Nashville, Tennessee
Chronic sinusitis can cause common symptoms like nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, sinus pain and pressure, postnasal drip, and headaches, which can be frustrating, especially if left unmanaged. Not only do they impact daily comfort, but they can also potentially affect daily productivity and sleep quality.
Sinus surgery is a common ENT treatment option that can help treat some cases of chronic sinusitis, remove nasal polyps, and address other chronic sinus conditions. ENT care providers at our Nashville, TN, clinic may recommend sinus surgery for patients whose symptoms do not respond to other forms of treatment, such as medications.
First, What Is Sinus Surgery?
Sinus surgery is an ENT procedure designed to treat some cases of chronic sinusitis, remove nasal polyps, and address other persistent sinus conditions. ENT care providers may recommend this to appropriate patients if their symptoms don’t seem to get better with medications and other forms of treatment.
Our ENT clinic in Nashville, TN, offers sinus evaluations to help determine if your condition may benefit from sinus surgery.
If you are considering sinus surgery as the next step, there are two common types of sinus surgery: balloon sinuplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can treat some cases of chronic sinusitis in select patients. It uses a small balloon catheter that is inserted into the affected sinus cavity. The procedure is designed to widen the sinus passages, which may help improve drainage in appropriately selected patients.
In some cases, it may be considered for select patients whose symptoms have not responded well to medications. An ENT consultation can help determine if a patient is an ideal candidate for the procedure.
What happens during balloon sinuplasty?
During the procedure, the ENT doctor injects local anesthesia into some of the tissues of the nose, numbing the area. Then, they insert a small and flexible balloon catheter into the affected sinus cavity via the nose. The balloon is then gently inflated; this may widen the sinus passages and support improved drainage in some patients. The balloon is then deflated and removed.
The patient is asked to stay in the hospital or the doctor’s office until they are comfortable leaving.
What is recovery and healing like after balloon sinuplasty?
Your ENT doctor may suggest that you have someone take you to and from your appointment for safety.
During your consultation before your scheduled procedure, your doctor will give you instructions to aid healing and recovery. Generally, these may include the following:
- Avoid blowing your nose for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure
- Rinse your nose with a saline nasal spray
- Use nasal packing
- Sleep with your head elevated to help with post-procedure congestion
- Avoid strenuous activities for about a week after the procedure
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and recovery
Recovery timelines and healing experiences vary per patient, depending on individual health factors. Potential risks and side effects may include swelling of the treatment area, post-procedure congestion, and slightly bloody nasal drainage.
What Is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive procedure that may be considered for certain cases of chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps. If medications prove to be ineffective, ENT care providers may recommend this as the potential next step.
FESS allows ENT doctors to operate on the sinuses via the nostrils, without making cuts or incisions around the nasal area.
What happens during FESS?
During the procedure, the ENT doctor gives the patient general anesthesia, inducing sleep. Then, they will inject a numbing solution into the nose to numb the area for the procedure.
The physician inserts a nasal endoscope (a thin tube with a camera on one end) into the affected sinus cavity through the patient’s nostril. Then, they will use specialized instruments to remove bone, nasal polyps, or any diseased tissue that may be contributing to blocked nasal passages.
The patient will stay in the hospital or the doctor’s office until they wake up and feel comfortable enough to leave.
What is recovery and healing like after FESS?
During your consultation, your doctor may suggest that you have someone take you to and from your appointment.
They will also give you detailed instructions on the healing and recovery process, which may include the following:
- Avoid blowing your nose for at least a week after the procedure
- Rinse your nose with a saline nasal spray
- When you sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open
- Avoid engaging in strenuous activities as advised by your doctor
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and recovery
Recovery and healing vary per patient, depending on several individual health factors. Potential risks and side effects may include bleeding, discomfort, and stuffiness in the treatment area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Surgery in Nashville, TN
What is chronic sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis is a long-term (12 weeks or more) irritation, swelling, and inflammation of the tissues lining the sinus passages. The sinuses are hollow, air-filled spaces behind the nose, cheekbones, and forehead. They naturally produce mucus and humidify the air we breathe. However, they can become irritated and swollen, trapping mucus.
Common symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
- Pain or pressure around the nose, eyes, cheeks, and forehead
- Stuffy nose with thick yellow or green mucus discharge
- Postnasal drip, or mucus dripping down the back of the throat
- Loss of taste or smell
- Ear pain
- Toothache
- Cough
- Chronic bad breath, halitosis
Which between balloon sinuplasty and FESS is right for me?
Both balloon sinuplasty and FESS are widely used treatment options that may be considered for patients whose symptoms don’t respond to other treatments.
Which of the two is right for you will depend on clinical findings, the severity of the symptoms, and the potential underlying cause. A consultation with your ENT doctor can help assess your options and candidacy for certain procedures.
Generally, balloon sinuplasty may be recommended for individuals whose symptoms are mild to moderate. On the other hand, FESS may be the appropriate option for chronic sinusitis patients whose symptoms are more severe. Those with structural issues such as nasal polyps and a deviated septum may also benefit from FESS.
Is sinus surgery worth it?
Sinus issues, no matter how persistent, are not exactly life-threatening. However, if left unmanaged, they can affect daily life, sleep, and comfort. A consultation with your ENT care provider in Nashville, TN, can help determine if you are an appropriate candidate for sinus surgery.
Sinus Surgery Options in Nashville, Tennessee
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