Balloon Sinuplasty — opening sinuses without cutting tissue.

Overview

Each sinus drains into the nose through a narrow channel. When these channels are inflamed or anatomically tight, drainage fails and chronic sinusitis sets in. Balloon sinuplasty inflates a balloon inside the channel to gently push the bony walls apart, leaving a wider, durable opening.

Unlike FESS, balloon sinuplasty does not remove tissue. That makes it less invasive but also less suitable when polyps or extensive disease are involved.

When This Surgery Is Recommended

• Chronic or recurrent sinusitis lasting beyond 12 weeks
• Failed maximal medical therapy (sprays, antibiotics, irrigation)
• CT scan showing localised sinus drainage pathway disease
• Absence of significant nasal polyps
• Patients seeking faster recovery than FESS

The Procedure

Done under general anaesthesia in most cases. Some clinics offer it under local in cooperative adults.

• An endoscope is passed through the nostril to visualise the sinus drainage pathway
• A guidewire is gently navigated into the affected sinus
• A balloon catheter is advanced over the wire and positioned in the opening
• The balloon is inflated to widen the channel for about 10 seconds
• The balloon is deflated and removed; the sinus is rinsed if needed

Pre-Surgery Preparations

• Fast 6 hours pre-op; clear fluids till 2 hours prior
• Pre-op CT of paranasal sinuses available in the chart
• Stop NSAIDs and blood thinners 5 days before with cardiology clearance
• Start saline rinses the evening before; pause sprays the morning of surgery
• Avoid heavy meals the night before surgery
• Companion to drive home

Post-Surgery Recovery

• Day-care procedure, discharge a few hours later
• No packing in the nose
• Saline rinses for two weeks
• Office work in 1–2 days; physical activity within a week
• Improvement typically noticed over 2–4 weeks

Follow-up Schedule

• Day 1 — phone check-in for comfort, bleeding, and pain control
• Week 1 — nasal endoscopy and saline irrigation review
• Week 4 — symptom score reassessed; nasal sprays adjusted
• Week 12 — final symptom and endoscopy review
• 6 months — durability check

Potential Complications

• Bleeding (minor, usually self-limiting)
• Recurrence of sinusitis — particularly with polyps not addressed
• Some sinuses are not anatomically suited to balloon dilation alone
• Rare orbital or skull-base complications

Why Have It Here

Balloon sinuplasty fits one category of sinus patient well, but not every patient. We look at imaging carefully and tell you honestly whether balloon, FESS, or a combination will give you the best long-term outcome.