When you continue to suffer from the pain, pressure, and congestion of chronic sinusitis, in-office balloon sinus surgery provides relief by gently opening your sinuses. Valeri L. Roth, DO, FAOCO, in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, specializes in performing minimally invasive balloon sinus surgery in the comfort of her office under local anesthesia. The procedure is safe for children and adults, so call the office to schedule an appointment at (724) 342-5890 if you or anyone in your family needs effective treatment for chronic sinusitis.
In Office Balloon Sinus Surgery Q & A
What causes chronic sinusitis?
Sinusitis occurs when membranes lining your paranasal sinuses become inflamed. The paranasal sinuses are lined with cells that produce mucus, which normally drains into your nose. When your sinuses are blocked, the mucus gets trapped, leading to a chronic infection.
Sinusitis may be caused by:
- Common cold
- Allergic rhinitis or hay fever
- Nasal polyps
- Deviated septum
What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis?
If you have sinusitis, you’re most likely dealing with one or more of these symptoms:
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Facial tenderness or pain
- Discolored drainage
- Loss of sense of smell
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
What is in-office balloon sinus surgery?
When your sinusitis persists despite conservative treatment, Dr. Roth may recommend an in-office procedure called balloon sinuplasty.
Balloon sinuplasty is an endoscopic sinus procedure that treats sinusitis through your nostrils. As a result, you gain effective, long-term relief without undergoing surgery.
Dr. Roth uses advanced technology produced by Acclarent®. The Acclarent balloon sinuplasty system features a design that allows her to safely thread the instrument through your sinus cavities with minimal trauma.
The Acclarent device is also equipped with specialized features that confirm where the balloon is placed in your sinuses and allow Dr. Roth to irrigate the nasal canal.
How is in-office balloon sinuplasty performed?
Balloon sinuplasty is performed in the office using a nasal endoscope, which means you don’t need an incision because it’s narrow enough to go through your nostril. The endoscope contains lighting, a video camera, and the tools required to perform the procedure.
Dr. Roth administers local anesthesia, then guides the catheter through your nostril to the opening of the targeted sinus. The catheter holds a small balloon that the doctor places at the sinus opening and inflates.
Pressure from the balloon gently restructures the shape of the passageway. When the balloon is deflated and removed, the sinus stays open, and you regain normal sinus drainage and function.
What should you expect after balloon sinuplasty?
Side effects following balloon sinuplasty are minimal, so most patients are back to their normal activities within two days. Dr. Roth provides detailed care instructions and activity recommendations based on your individual procedure.
To learn if you’re a good candidate for in-office balloon sinuplasty, call the office today at (724) 342-5890.