Balloon Sinuplasty vs. Traditional Sinus Surgery in Austin, TX
Chronic sinus issues such as nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, sinus pain and pressure, and postnasal drip are often not life-threatening, but they can still significantly impact daily comfort and quality of life.
If your sinus issues don’t seem to be responding well to standard forms of treatment, such as medications, your ENT doctor in Austin, TX, may start discussing other potential treatment options, such as sinus surgery.
Before you make any health decision, let’s get into everything you need to know about sinus surgery:
What Is Sinus Surgery?
Sinus surgery is an ENT treatment option and procedure that may be considered for certain cases of chronic sinusitis and other persistent sinus issues that don’t respond well to other forms of treatment, such as standard medications.
Here at Austin Ear, Sinus & Allergy, we perform thorough sinus evaluations to assess your condition and help determine if your condition will benefit from sinus surgery. We recommend treatment options based on clinical findings, symptom severity, medical history, and other individual health factors.
There are two common types of sinus surgery: balloon sinuplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive ENT procedure that may treat some cases of chronic sinusitis in appropriate patients. This may be recommended by your ENT doctor based on your clinical findings, symptom severity, medical history, and underlying causes.
The procedure uses a small and flexible balloon catheter that is inserted into the affected sinus cavity. This may help dilate the sinus passages, which may help improve sinus drainage and airflow in select patients.
What happens during the procedure?
Before the procedure, your ENT physician injects local anesthetic into the tissues lining the sinuses to numb the area for treatment. Then, they will insert a small, flexible balloon catheter into the sinus cavity. Once in place, the balloon is gently inflated. This is intended to dilate blocked sinus passages and may potentially support sinus drainage and overall airflow. Then, the balloon is deflated and removed.
What is healing and recovery like after the procedure?
During your pre-procedure consultation, your ENT physician will thoroughly discuss the entire procedure, including what to expect during and after your procedure. Generally, this may include:
- Have someone responsible take you to and from your appointment
- Staying in the hospital or medical office until you are cleared for discharge
- Use nasal packing if necessary
- Avoid blowing your nose for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure
- Rinse your nose with a saline nasal spray
- Elevate your head, especially during sleep, to help manage post-procedure nasal congestion
- Avoid strenuous activities for about a week after the procedure
- Schedule follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your healing progress
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects, including, but not limited to, nasal congestion, swelling, and a slightly bloody nasal discharge.
What Is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a type of sinus surgery that may treat certain cases of chronic sinusitis related to structural abnormalities, such as nasal polyps. Through FESS, ENT physicians can perform surgery on the sinuses without making external cuts or incisions.
Your ENT doctor may recommend FESS based on the severity of your symptoms, nasal anatomy, and potential underlying causes.
What happens during the procedure?
To begin the FESS procedure, your ENT doctor administers general anesthesia, so you are put to sleep for the entire procedure. In some cases, they may also inject local anesthesia into the tissues lining your sinuses to manage bleeding and make it more comfortable for you during the procedure.
Then, they will insert an instrument called an endoscope, which is a thin and flexible instrument with a light and a camera on one end, into the affected sinus cavity. They will use specialized instruments to remove nasal polyps, bone, or diseased tissue that may be contributing to persistent sinus issues.
What is healing and recovery like after the procedure?
Before your scheduled appointment, your ENT doctor will walk you through the entire procedure and explain what you can expect during the healing and recovery phase. Healing and recovery guidelines may generally include:
- Have someone take you to and from your appointment as a safety precaution
- Stay in the hospital or medical office until you are cleared for discharge
- Open your mouth when you sneeze
- Avoid blowing your nose for about seven days after the procedure
- Rinse your nose with a saline nasal spray
- Avoid engaging in strenuous activities as advised by your physician
- Schedule follow-up appointments so your care provider can monitor your healing progress
As this is a medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects, including bleeding, swelling, and general discomfort in the treatment area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Surgery in Austin, TX
What is chronic sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis is characterized as the long-term irritation, swelling, and inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses (which are hollow, air-filled spaces located behind the nose, cheeks, and forehead). Naturally, they produce mucus and humidify the air we breathe. However, sometimes, they become irritated and swollen, trapping mucus inside the sinuses.
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis usually last for 12 weeks or longer, which may include:
- A stuffy nose with thick yellow or green discharge
- Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of the throat)
- Pain and pressure particularly around the nose, cheeks, eyes, and forehead
- Ear pain and/or toothache
- Cough
- Loss or diminished sense of taste or smell
- Halitosis (chronic bad breath)
When should I consider sinus surgery in Austin, TX?
Consider seeing a sinus specialist in Austin, TX, if persistent sinus issues have started affecting your daily life, productivity, sleep, and comfort. They may help assess your symptoms and help determine whether sinus surgery may be appropriate. Treatment outcomes vary per patient, and results are not guaranteed.
Which sinus surgery may be most appropriate for chronic sinusitis?
The appropriate type of sinus surgery for your condition will depend on clinical findings, symptom severity, potential underlying cause, sinus anatomy, and other individual health factors. They can guide you to the most appropriate treatment option for your condition.
Conclusion: Learn More About Sinus Surgery in Austin, TX
Austin Ear, Sinus & Allergy provides ENT services for the residents of Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and the surrounding Texas communities. Visit and explore our website for information specific to our clinic and the services we offer.
