A large proportion of our patients have long-term sinus problems, often having been treated and had surgery elsewhere, and continue to have problems that are a blight on their quality of life. Sadly, there are now many patients who have not been treated at all for their sinus issues, or are waiting extended times to be seen by the correct rhinology (nose and sinus) Consultant ENT specialist.
Current ‘minimally invasive’ surgery for long-term sinus problems is based around the principles of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), which involves operating up through the nostrils with custom-made cameras (endoscopes), instruments and shavers designed for the purpose. In the vast majority of patients these techniques are extremely successful and safe, and it may be that this is the surgery you need in the first instance (see our Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery leaflet for more information).
Balloon sinuplasty is based on the same principles used by cardiologists when they perform angioplasty to stretch diseased arteries in the heart, and gives us a safe and effective additional tool to access difficult-to-reach sinuses — particularly inside your forehead (the frontal sinuses).
How is balloon sinuplasty carried out?
Under a short general anaesthetic, a balloon is introduced up into your nose and placed in exactly the right place using an endoscope. A fibre-optic lighted guidewire is then passed up the nose and into the sinus, and the correct position is confirmed by the fact that the light ‘transilluminates’ the outline of the sinus on your forehead.
A deflated balloon is then passed over the guidewire and inflated to stretch the natural drainage passages of the sinus. Often there are thick, infected secretions in the affected sinus, and these can then be completely flushed out with saline using an irrigation catheter.
Balloon sinuplasty is not suitable for everybody, but where it is, it can make a major difference to your quality of life after surgery. We would be delighted to offer balloon sinuplasty to you if, after investigation, we feel it would help you.