Some patients with sinusitis requiring surgery are suitable for this minimally invasive procedure.
Balloon sinuplasty is particularly useful for opening up the frontal and sphenoid sinuses
Balloon sinuplasty is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, by inserting an endoscope inside the nose to visualise the sinus openings. A balloon catheter is inserted into the blocked sinus and the balloon is inflated to widen the natural drainage pathway. This technique minimises trauma to the lining of the nose.
If balloon sinuplasty is performed alone, nasal dressings are rarely required after surgery. This can speed up the recovery afterwards with minimal pain, nasal blockage and bleeding.