Grand Canyon Times

• Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively new procedure, having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005. 
• This procedure is becoming more popular because it has lower risks and a quicker recovery time than traditional sinus surgery. 
• Surveys indicate that 91% of patients say that they would have a balloon procedure again, with only 49% of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Patients saying that they would opt for the same procedure.

Balloon sinuplasty is a safe, minimally invasive procedure commonly offered by surgeons to treat chronic sinusitis. According to Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center, balloon sinuplasty is a straightforward and manageable procedure for patients.

“Most patients, by the time they get to a specialist office, they've already kind of been through the basic stuff, the allergy medications, the nasal sprays, antibiotics, and steroids. That's usually the first level of treatment options, the next step up the ladder would be some type of procedural intervention like balloon sinuplasty,” Dr. Lee told the Grand Canyon Times. “This procedure is great because it not only replaces the traditional kind of Roto-Rooter sinus surgery that's traditionally been done for the past 30 years. It allows us to intervene earlier in the disease process meaning that there may be some people with very mild or minimal sinus disease still which really affects their quality of life.”

According to Healthline, balloon sinuplasty is most often recommended for people with chronic sinusitis, after other treatments for their condition have been ineffective. Balloon sinuplasty is fairly straightforward, and reported complications are minimal. There’s no cutting and no removal of bones or tissue. After a balloon sinuplasty procedure, many people are able to return to their regular activities within a day or two. Some people even drive themselves home from the procedure.

Balloon sinuplasty is performed in a hospital or the office of an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, according to Healthline. A balloon sinuplasty procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Patients will consult with their doctor to develop an anesthesia plan, ensuring they understand what to expect during the procedure. 

During the procedure, a small wire with a tiny flashlight at the tip is inserted into the sinus cavity, allowing the surgeon to see clearly as they work. Next, a slim, flexible balloon catheter is gently inserted into the sinus passage. The balloon is then gradually inflated to widen the sinus opening. The doctor will then flush out built-up pus and mucus in the sinus cavity with a saline solution. Patients will feel a decrease in pressure when this happens. While the balloon is in the sinus passage, it gently restructures the bones around the sinuses. Once this process is complete, doctors will remove the balloon. This leaves the sinus passage widened and free of built-up pressure.

According to Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy's website, Dr. Brian Lee graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He completed his internship and residency in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) at the University of Southern California. Dr. Lee was named one of the Valley's "Top Doctors" by Phoenix Magazine in 2015 and 2016.