Williamsburg Sun

Balloon sinuplasty offers a minimally invasive chronic inflammation solution to those suffering with chronic sinusitis.

While the procedure is generally new, Dr. John Ditto of the Richmond Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Center said studies have shown it is just as effective as a traditional endoscopic sinus surgery would be. 

“I can perform a procedure for a patient and improve their recurrent sinusitis by using a minimally invasive technique to improve them instead of taking them to the operating room under general anesthesia and performing a sinus bone and membrane destruction procedure where you're removing things,” Ditto said. 

Once an individual develops chronic sinusitis, Ditto said, it can become an inflammatory disorder that cannot be treated with antibiotics. 

“What we found is that treating with antibiotics only if you have a sinus infection is effective, but (for) most chronic sinusitis, it needs to be managed with non-antibiotics,” Ditto said. 

According to Healthline, this chronic inflammation solution is relatively new, having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005.

Balloon sinuplasty is most often recommended for people with chronic sinusitis after other treatments for their condition have been ineffective, Healthline reports. As a whole, the procedure is typically fairly straightforward and reported complications are minimal as there is no cutting or removal of bones or tissue. 

Performed in a hospital or in the office of an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, a balloon sinuplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Because balloon sinuplasty is still a type of surgery, it carries the same types of risks as other sinus surgeries, Healthline reports. 

During the procedure, the balloon inflated to expand the sinus opening will flush out built-up pus and mucus in the sinus cavity with a saline solution. While the balloon is in the sinus passage, Healthline states, it gently restructures the bones around the sinuses.

The completion of the process will leave the sinus passage widened and the sinus free of built-up pressure, offering patients a quick and simple chronic inflammation solution. 

Prospective patients may evaluate their symptoms with the Richmond Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Center sinus quiz to determine their best path for care.