Although sinusitis can be an uncomfortable condition, the idea of having sinus surgery may keep you from experiencing full relief. Fortunately, at South Coast Ear, Nose and Throat in Port St. Lucie, we offer a revolutionary new sinus treatment: the balloon sinuplasty. This minimally invasive procedure offers the benefits of sinus surgery without the lengthy downtime and post-operative discomfort. Read on to learn more about balloon sinusplasty and if it's right for you.

What is a balloon sinuplasty?

You may have heard of or know someone who's had a balloon angioplasty, a potentially life-saving procedure that expands clogged veins or arteries. This same concept has been applied to chronically inflamed sinus passages that surround the nose. During an outpatient procedure, a very thin wire with a flexible balloon attached to it is inserted through the nose into the blocked sinus. Your Port St. Lucie ENT doctor will then inflate the balloon to expand the sinus and allow for proper drainage of nasal discharge. The wire and deflated balloon are then removed. The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes.

What are the benefits of a balloon sinuplasty?

As you've probably guessed, a brief outpatient procedure at your Port St. Lucie ENT's office is preferable to a lengthy surgery that requires a hospital stay. The good news is that statistics show that a sinuplasty is as effective as a sinus surgery, but without all the drawbacks - general anesthesia, the potentially long and uncomfortable recovery period, and post-operative bleeding - that might keep someone from having a beneficial procedure done. This treatment also helps to preserve the structure of the sinuses, preventing the buildup of scar tissue that can happen after traditional surgery.

If you think you might be a candidate for a balloon sinuplasty or you have any questions about sinusitis, contact South Coast Ear, Nose, and Throat for a consultation with one of our otolaryngologists today. We have convenient locations throughout south Florida: (772) 398-9911 for Port St. Lucie, (772) 464-6055 in Fort Pierce, and (863) 357-7791 in Okeechobee. Call us today!