Hernando Reporter

• 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. Mariah Pate of Tampa Bay Breathe Free, recovery from this procedure is typically easier for patients than traditional sinus surgery.  

“The big difference is that with a balloon sinuplasty versus sinus surgery in the operating room, there is a shorter recovery, usually less bleeding, and less pain for the patient,” Dr. Pate told the Hernando Reporter. “Generally, with balloon sinuplasty, the patient is in the office for about an hour. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and then they go home the same day. They relax for about 24 hours, and within about a day or two, they're back to their normal 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 Tampa Bay Breathe Free's website, Dr. Mariah Pate, a certified otolaryngologist, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida. She earned her medical degree from Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University, finishing in the top 5% of her class. Dr. Pate completed her otolaryngology internship and residency at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.