Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic or recurrent sinusitis or sinus infections. It is generally considered a safe and effective means to flush out pus or mucus and may be recommended when you do not respond well to other treatments like sinus medications.

At Kimball Health Services, our board-certified ENT surgeon, Dr. William O. Dickey, prioritizes patient care and comfort throughout this minimally invasive procedure. He conducts a comprehensive evaluation of your sinus condition.

Dr. Dickey also considers factors such as the severity of symptoms, sinus anatomy, and previous treatment history before recommending a procedure like balloon sinuplasty.

Conditions Balloon Sinuplasty Helps Treat

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory condition affecting the spaces inside the nose and head that affects 12.5% of the US population.

CRS keeps mucus from draining, making your nose stuffy. It makes breathing through the nose hard and the area around your eyes may feel swollen. The symptoms can last up to 12 weeks or longer.

Common CRS symptoms may include:

Stuffy nose
Congestion
Facial pressure
Runny nose
Loss of sense of smell

Balloon sinuplasty is recommended when medical treatment, including antibiotics, does not help relieve symptoms. It is also beneficial in treating sinusitis associated with nasal polyps. This soft growth can develop in the lining of the nose and sinuses, often causing persistent inflammation and obstruction.

What to Expect with Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure

Balloon sinuplasty is a safe and popular procedure to treat chronic rhinosinusitis and is typically performed on adults. It is recommended for children in rare cases when they have not responded to other treatments for sinusitis.

Before the Procedure

Before the procedure is planned, Dr. Dickey may ask for imaging scans to confirm that balloon sinuplasty is the appropriate treatment for your condition.

During the Procedure

Dr. Dickey may use topical numbing medication or general anesthesia to perform balloon sinuplasty. General anesthesia blocks your pain. He may also administer a topical decongestant in your nose to control any possible bleeding you may have during the procedure.

Dr. Dickey uses an endoscope, a thin tube with a light on the end, to put the balloon catheter into the sinus cavity through your nostrils.

Once the catheter is in place, the balloon is slowly inflated. This inflation helps to compress and reshape the surrounding bones, effectively enlarging the sinus opening and restoring normal drainage.

After Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty is typically not painful, and you may go home on the same day of the procedure. Dr. Dickey may ask you to stay until you feel comfortable before leaving, as most people report feeling a sense of pressure in their nose after the procedure. However, this feeling subsides and normalizes in time.

We recommend that you arrange for someone to drive you to and from your procedure appointment. Our team informs you of any follow-up appointments and tests you may need at the time of discharge.

Recovery from Balloon Sinuplasty

After balloon sinuplasty, you may experience mild discomfort in the nose and nasal area. This can be treated with over-the-counter medication. You may also expect nasal drainage that is discolored or contains blood. Dr. Dickey may suggest resting at home for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.

For fast and effective recovery, it is essential to maintain nasal hygiene with frequent saline rinses that may contain medication, as recommended. This helps flush out remaining mucus and debris during the healing process and prevent infection, scarring, or buildup in your nose.

Consider the following steps to help you recover:

Avoid blowing your nose for at least 24 hours.
Use nasal spray to rinse your nostrils.
Sleep with your head elevated to help with congestion
Avoid strenuous activity for some time.

Balloon Sinuplasty at Kimball Health Services

At Kimball Health Services, we evaluate your sinus condition thoroughly before suggesting balloon sinuplasty, especially when medications are not effective in relieving sinus congestion. Our team ensures that you are well-informed before, during, and after the procedure.

As one of the top critical access hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, call us at 308-235-1966 or request an appointment online. We're here for you whenever you need us.