Surgical Services

Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure for Sinus Suffers

Chronic sinusitis suffers now have a revoluntionary treatment option available at Thomasville Medical Center. With sinus headaches and pain affecting approximately 37 million Americans each year, balloon sinuplasty can drastically change sinusitis sufferers’ quality of life with very little inconvenience.

The causes of sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining most commonly caused by bacterial, viral, and / or microbial infections; as well as, structural issues such as blockage of the sinus opening (ostium). If the ostium becomes swollen shut, normal mucus drainage may not occur. This condition may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses

Sinusitis symptoms
Common symptoms may include:
• Facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness
• Nasal obstruction or blockage
• Discharge of discolored mucus from the nose
• Discolored post-nasal drainage
• Loss of smell

Additional symptoms may include:
• Headache
• Bad breath
• Fatigue Types of Sinusitis

Types of sinusitis
There are two main categories of sinusitis: acute and chronic. Sinusitis is usually preceded by a cold, allergy attack or irritation from environmental pollutants. Often, the resulting symptoms, such as nasal pressure, nasal congestion, a "runny nose," and fever, run their course in a few days. However, if symptoms persist, a bacterial infection or acute sinusitis may develop. If the condition occurs frequently or lasts three months or more, it may be chronic sinusitis.

The Balloon Sinuplasty Technology:
The technology utilizes a small, flexible, Sinus Balloon Catheter that is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The Sinus Balloon Catheter is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked nasal passage, maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining and restoring normal sinus drainage and function. There is minimal bleeding, and many patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours

Benefits of the sinuplasty procedure compared to the traditional methods of sinus surgery?
The technology uses small, soft, flexible devices that enter entirely through the nostrils. These devices gently remold instead of destroy or remove blocked sinus openings. Because typically no tissue or bone is removed when using this technology, there is less bleeding and less damage to the sensitive tissues of your sinuses. This results in quicker healing time.There is minimal bleeding, and many patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours.