Sinus surgery topic of free seminar on May 22

CONWAY — Conway ear, nose and throat physicians and the Conway Regional Health System have teamed up to offer the second in a planned series of free educational seminars on a lessinvasive, less-painful sinus procedure to relieve chronic sinus pain.

The seminar will be held at 6 p.m. May 22 in the Conway Regional Women’s Center and will include a complimentary meal. Couples are encouraged to attend.

Balloon sinuplasty technology is an endoscopic, catheter-based system for patients suffering from sinusitis. The Fda-cleared technology uses a small, flexible sinus balloon catheter to open up blocked sinus passageways, restoring normal sinus drainage. When the sinus balloon is inflated, it gently restructures and widens the walls of the passageway while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining.

All five of Conway’s ear, nose and throat specialists perform the procedure at Conway Regional, citing the relief the procedure gives patients without the somewhat more difficult recovery time that often accompanies traditional, more invasive surgery.

“While not everyone is a candidate for balloon sinuplasty, it can provide a lot of relief without the pain and discomfort that accompanies traditional surgery,” said Dr. Ralph Marrero, an ear, nose and throat surgeon who will give the May 22 presentation.

“I think it’s the best advance in sinus surgery since 2001,” said Dr. Doug Stroud, another ENT specialist. “It’s a much less invasive procedure, and the patients experience less pain as they recover.”

Stroud added that he is impressed with the reduction in sinus pain and pressure after the procedure and that very few patients have required follow-up procedures after balloon sinuplasty.

“This sinuplasty procedure allows safer, easier and less painful management of disease in the front sinuses — those in the forehead region. The technique is less traumatic for the other names as well,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kirsch.

Othe r phy s i c i ans in Conway who perform the procedure include Dr. Collie Shaw and Dr. Patrick Fraley.

The seminar is designed to provide chronic sinus sufferers with education about this relatively new procedure. Some of the symptoms of chronic sinus problems include facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness; difficulty breathing through the nose or a discharge of yellow or green mucus from the nose; tooth pain; loss of the sense of smell or taste; headache; fatigue; and sore throat.

To learn more about balloon sinuplasty, call (501) 513-5732 to register for the seminar. Reservations can also be made by going online to www.conwayregional. org. RSVPS are required, as a limited number of seats are available.