Balloon Sinuplasty
Does Balloon Sinuplasty Work?
September 8, 2022
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4 minutes
Reviewed by Michael Kaplan, MD
Does balloon sinuplasty work as well as traditional sinus surgery? When compared to traditional sinus surgery, the balloon sinuplasty procedure seems almost too simple, leaving some potential patients wondering if the procedure’s results are too good to be true.
As one of the pioneers in balloon sinuplasty in Houston, Michael Kaplan, MD, the founding sinus specialist of Kaplan Sinus Relief, can confidently assure you that out of the 5,000+ balloon sinuplasty procedures he has completed, most, if not all have achieved lasting results — and there’s substantial research to back this up.
Although the success of the procedure depends on the severity of your condition and overall health status, we have seen thousands of patients in our practice enjoy major relief from conditions like chronic sinusitis, allergies, snoring, and more thanks to balloon sinuplasty. Keep reading to learn more about the success rate of the balloon sinuplasty procedure!
How does balloon sinuplasty work?
Balloon sinuplasty is a pain-free, in-office procedure that uses a balloon in the nose to restore proper sinus drainage, relieving many of the common sinus symptoms individuals suffer from. The entire balloon sinuplasty procedure is fairly simple and takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Here is what to expect during the procedure:
- Dr. Kaplan uses Stryker’s new augmented reality navigation Target Guided Surgery TGS system to locate the blocked sinus pathway. This technology is groundbreaking and allows the procedure to be done with more accuracy and safety.
- He then gently inserts a balloon in the nose and inflates it, reshaping the sinus.
- Once the balloon has been removed and drainage has been restored. You should be back to your normal activities and experiencing improved breathing within 1–2 days.
Many people wonder, “Does balloon sinuplasty break bones?” Not at all! Balloon sinuplasty is minimally invasive and does not require any cutting or bone breaking. The entire procedure is completed by inserting the small camera on the TRS system and the balloon into your sinus cavity through your nostril. Most patients find the procedure to be relatively pain-free with only a small percentage of patients experiencing light nasal bleeding due to the irritation caused by the devices. But for those who feel nervous, we do offer IV sedation to help you feel more relaxed.
How long do the effects of balloon sinuplasty last?
Patients often experience immediate improvement following the balloon sinuplasty procedure and are still experiencing those results when followed up within the next year. That’s all great news, but you’re likely wanting to know, is balloon sinuplasty permanent?
Unfortunately, we can’t give you a direct answer to the longevity of balloon sinuplasty. The results will depend on factors including any nasal abnormalities, lifestyle choices, and the progression of symptoms over time. It’s different for every patient!
What we can tell you though is that there is a very low rate of revision at 12 months (3.2%) which is fairly comparable to traditional sinus surgery.
What is the success rate of balloon sinuplasty?
If you’re worried about whether balloon sinuplasty is as successful when compared to traditional surgery, don’t be. It’s been shown to be just as effective while offering far more benefits.
According to research conducted by Stryker, when compared to Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), balloon dilation using the TGS system mentioned above was equally as successful as the typical standard of care for chronic sinusitis. Both procedures had a 99% success rate.
However, unlike traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty is minimally invasive, done in-office, is completed in under 30 minutes, and the balloon sinuplasty recovery experience is a fraction of the time and is significantly less painful. Patients also experience less postoperative bleeding, decreased need for pain medications, and missed significantly less work due to sinus issues over the next year.
Want to learn more about the lasting results of balloon sinuplasty? Come to Kaplan Sinus Relief!
So, what’s the verdict? Does balloon sinuplasty work? Studies show that it does but if that’s not convincing enough, hear from one of our patients on their experience with balloon sinuplasty!
Balloon sinuplasty is a highly effective, minimally invasive procedure that offers those who have been suffering from chronic sinus symptoms lasting relief. To learn more about whether or not you’re a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty, give us a call at 713-766-1818 or schedule an appointment online.
More Helpful Articles by Kaplan Sinus Relief:
- Can Rhinitis Surgery Cure Chronic Rhinitis?
- How to Cure Allergic Rhinitis Permanently
- Does Turbinate Reduction Change the Shape of Your Nose?
- What Are Nasal Turbinates?
- How To Stop Your Nose Dripping Clear Fluid