Balloon Sinuplasty™

Balloon Sinuplasty


Balloon Sinuplasty is a breakthrough procedure that relieves the pain and pressure associated with chronic sinusitis. It is used by surgeons to safely and effectively treat chronic sinusitis patients who are not responding well to medications such as antibiotics, nasal steroids, or over‐the‐counter (OTC) drugs, and are seeking relief from uncomfortable and painful sinusitis symptoms. Balloon Sinuplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia in the office setting. Most people can resume work and light activity the following day. In certain cases, you and your physician may elect for you to have this done under general anesthesia in an operating room.


How it Works

With Balloon Sinuplasty, a specially‐designed catheter is inserted into the nose to reach the inflamed sinus cavity. A small balloon is slowly inflated, which widens and restructures the walls of the sinus passage, helping to drain mucus from the blocked sinus and restore normal sinus drainage without cutting and with minimal bleeding. This approach also preserves the natural structure of the sinuses.


Safe & Less Invasive

Similar to how angioplasty uses balloons to open blocked arteries, Balloon Sinuplasty, a system of FDA‐cleared, catheter‐based instruments, opens blocked sinuses. The procedure is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery. It allows most patients to return to normal activities within two days after surgery.

The following instructions should help during the first and second week after surgery. Although individual responses vary widely following any operation, you (or your child) can expect to return to normal in about ten (10) days.


We Can Help you...

Balloon Sinuplasty is a proven treatment for a variety of sinus issues and may be able to help you increase your quality of life. Patients who suffer from chronic sinusitis and are not responding well to medications may benefit from seeing one of the physicians at South Coast Ear Nose and Throat. Most of our physicians are trained and experienced with minimally-invasive Balloon Sinuplasty.

Mom and Baby

WHAT TO EXPECT :

GENTLY BLOW YOUR NOSE!!

NASAL DISCHARGE : This may occur the first couple of days post operatively; at first it may have a bloody tinge to it then change to mucus. Any profuse bright red bleeding that persists for more than twenty four (24) hours should be reported to your doctor.

NASAL CONGESTION : A stuffy nose is normal following sinus/nasal surgery due to swelling of the tissues. This may last up to one (1) week after surgery.

AFTER SURGERY CARE : Salt-water/Saline irrigation is recommended to help moisturize the nose and clear any debris that may accumulate post operatively.

ACTIVITY : Rest at home for at least one (1) day. Gradually increase your daily activities after that. Restrictions on activities should be discussed with your physician. Avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for two (2) weeks. Typically, you can return to work after your first postoperative visit.

DIET : After discharge from the hospital or surgery center, adequate fluids are essential and may be given in almost any form such as water, soda, juice, jello or popsicles. Encourage fluids for at least ten (10) days. Soft foods are tolerated best at first and should be encouraged. Highly seasoned or very scratchy food should be avoided. Normal diet can be advanced as tolerated.

PAIN : Pain and discomfort varies with each patient after surgery. Medication may be prescribed to help control pain, take as directed. You may also use Tylenol or Acetaminophen.

FEVER : Very slight elevations of temperature during the first few days are usual. If the temperature goes above 101.5 degrees, please contact us .

VOMITING : Nausea and vomiting may occur following anesthesia and usually clears after the first day. If persistent nausea and vomiting occurs after the first day at home, please contact us .

MEDICATIONS : Medication may be prescribed to help control pain, take as directed. You may also use Tylenol or Acetaminophen. If you have been prescribed an antibiotic, take as directed. You may resume any other medications that you use regularly the day after surgery. If taking
pain medications, avoid drinking alcohol or other dangerous situations.

DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR ASPIRIN CONTAINING MEDICATIONS FOR AT LEAST TWO (2) WEEKS AFTER YOUR SURGERY.

FOLLOW-UP VISIT TO THE OFFICE : If a postoperative appointment has not been made for you, please call the office the day after surgery to arrange an appointment within one to two (1-2) weeks following the surgery.

PLEASE NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

  1. Visual problems consisting of loss of vision, double vision, or the bulging of one or both eyes.
  2. Neck stiffness with fever and headache.
  3. Brisk bleeding from the nose or excessive drowsiness and confusion.

PROBLEMS AND QUESTIONS : For any problems that arise, or to ask any questions, please call the office during regular business hours at (772) 398-9911
, (772) 464-6055, (863) 357-7791 or contact the Answering Service after hours by dialing (772) 320-0400 . Drs. Berghash, or Lanza are on call after hours and weekends for emergencies.

OTHER HELPFUL HINTS :

  1. Sleeping with your head raised on several pillows will make you more comfortable.
  2. Keep water at your bedside, and drink water frequently.
  3. Use Vaseline or lip moisturizer to prevent dry lips.
  4. Have someone drive you to your initial postoperative appointment.

The surgical procedure is designed to help you breathe better through your nose. It may take between six and eight weeks for full recovery. Please be patient.