Balloon brings breath of fresh air for sinus sufferers
BADLY BLOCKED sinuses and the pain they bring can have a big impact on your enjoyment of everyday life. But there is a procedure that can put an end to the pressure headaches, severe face pain and lethargy — and even restore lost senses of smell and taste. Balloon sinuplasty is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure that involves unblocking the sinus with a tiny balloon on the end of a thin flexible wire, allowing the sinus to drain and relieving the sinus pressure without damaging delicate membranes.We spoke to Rohit Pratap, a consultant ENT surgeon, who carries out balloon sinuplasty at Spire Bushey Hospital, Hertfordshire.
WHAT USUALLY CAUSES SINUS PROBLEMS?
Sinus problems are caused by nasal inflammation, allergies, infections and structural issues inside the nose.
IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO SURGERY?
Depending on cause, patients can be recommended to undertake allergy avoidance, decongestants, nasal saline irrigations, nasal steroids, oral steroids and antibiotic regimes. In acute sinus issues, these are usually totally curative. In chronic sinus issues, medications can permanently or temporarily help up to two third of patients. ARE SINUSES AFFECTED BY A HIGH POLLEN COUNT?
Yes, seasonal allergies can cause nasal and sinus issues. Age can also be a factor. As we age, the mucous membranes inside our nose can thin and lead to more sinus issues. Chronic sinus issues are rare in children.
HOW WERE SINUS ISSUES TREATED IN THE PAST?
Endoscopic sinus surgery has been a treatment of choice for a couple of decades. It uses an endoscope inside the nose and metal dissecting instruments to remove bony and mucosal tissue, widening the narrowed pathways of the natural sinus openings in the nose.
HOW DOES BALLOON SINUPLASTY COMPARE?
Balloon sinuplasty is more effective in selected cases. Where extensive sinusitis or nasal polyps are present, more extensive surgery is still required. However, with limited sinus obstruction and particularly with the more difficult-to-reach sinuses, the balloon dilatation procedure results in safe, effective and faster recovery with good symptom relief.
It does not remove bone or mucosa, but “stretches” open the natural openings, akin to angioplasty of blocked arteries in the heart, so healing is much faster, with swifter return to work and normal activity. As balloon dilatation does not remove the nasal lining, the opened pathway remains clear for years, without the risk of postoperative scarring closing down the surgically opened drainage pathway. WHAT DOES BALLOON SINUPLASTY ENTAIL?
The procedure is usually under general anaesthesia but can be done under local anaesthesia. A delicate, fine guide wire with a bright light is inserted into the complex bony labyrinth of the sinuses and passed into the sinus cavity. The natural drainage pathway of that sinus is then gently stretched open by inflating a tiny balloon and thereby “stretching”open the pathway. An irrigation catheter is then inserted into the sinus and a washout performed — like your sinuses going into an automated car wash.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
About 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many sinuses are involved.
WHAT CHANGES CAN A PATIENT EXPECT?
Some patients report immediate resolution of the pressure in their head on waking up in recovery. More often, however, symptom resolution (nasal blockage, pressure headaches, thick nasal discharge and poor smell and taste) takes four to six weeks.
WHAT SORT OF PATIENT FEEDBACK HAVE YOU RECEIVED SO FAR?
Patients particularly like the fact there is not much nasal bleeding, crusting and pain during the postoperative period, meaning a faster return to normal activity.
spirehealthcare.com