We believe that making an informed decision alongside your doctor is an important part of your overall health and can sometimes be the difference between an effective and ineffective means of treatment for chronic sinus issues. Your lifestyle and medical history of course plays a role in treatment, and any questions you may have can be directly answered by your ENT. In a medical environment, however, it can be tough to remember the information you are given, or even to know which questions to ask while at your appointment.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the Balloon Sinuplasty (Balloon Dilation) procedure, asked by patients like yourself, and answered by ENT professionals, such as those at Southern Indiana ENT. This is useful as a guide to having an open conversation with your doctor on discussing your specific medical condition.

Balloon Sinuplasty is a modern treatment that has helped more than a half-million patients achieve long-term sinus relief. It was first introduced in 2005 and is a break-through alternative to traditional sinus surgery.

This minimally-invasive solution involves placing a tiny catheter into the nasal passage to reach the area of sinus inflammation. Once the blockage is reached, a small balloon is gently inflated to slowly open the blockage. The sinus cavity is cleaned and any infection can be safely flushed out. Immediate relief is achieved and the sinuses are restored to their natural working order.

Unlike medications that mask symptoms, the balloon sinuplasty procedure gets to the root of the problem by physically opening the sinus cavity and restoring the natural flow of air and mucus.

Sinuplasty gets to the root cause of your sinus infections without the risk, sinus pain, or extended recovery that comes from traditional sinus surgery.

Prior to 2005, endoscopic sinus surgery was the only method for opening blocked sinus passages. This fully invasive surgical procedure is done in a hospital or surgical center under full anesthesia. Traditional sinus surgery requires the cutting and removal of bone and tissue and involves an extended recovery that is often complicated and can be painful. Sinus surgery is a permanent solution that cannot be reversed.

For patients with certain physical abnormalities such as a deviated septum, polyps, or other complications, sinus surgery may be necessary to achieve lasting results. For most patients with sinus blockages, balloon sinuplasty is a safe, effective, and affordable alternative to surgery.

Since its ground-breaking introduction in 2005, insurance companies have discovered significant balloon sinuplasty cost benefits. Most insurance companies and Medicare will cover sinuplasty when it is considered medically necessary and reasonable. To be certain of your level of insurance coverage, contact your insurance provider for questions regarding your specific policy.

In addition to insurance cost benefits, there are significant long-term savings for patients. These savings result from decreased reliance on medication for symptom relief and lower costs due to decreased office visits. The most significant financial benefit is the increased quality of life, productivity, and overall stamina that results from lasting sinus infection relief.

When compared to traditional sinus surgery, sinuplasty has exceptional cost savings. With balloon sinuplasty there is no hospitalization, no anesthesiologist, and no lengthy recovery. Sinuplasty is done from the comfort of the doctor’s office which eliminates hospital fees and copays.

Patients are able to get back to work very quickly and typically return to normal activity in 24-48 hours. Balloon sinuplasty results in less time away from work and other important activities and provides an immediate improvement to the overall quality of life.

From 2005 to 2017, more than a half-million men and women just like you have enjoyed the lasting sinus relief that balloon sinuplasty provides. It has grown in popularity with patients, doctors, and insurance companies because it works. It is safe and highly effective and the results are immediate, dramatic, and life-changing.

According to clinical research*, the balloon sinuplasty success rate is greater than 95%. Even with this astounding success rate, there will be a small fraction of patients for whom balloon sinuplasty did not work. In these rare cases, a second procedure often delivers significant success. Unusual medical situations may require a more complicated treatment solution.

Balloon sinuplasty reviews from Columbus, Seymour, and Franklin, IN, and across the country have testified to the remarkable benefits. Many patients describe the balloon sinuplasty before and after in dramatic detail as they recount the miserable daily pain and suffering followed by a dramatic and long-lasting improvement.

All medical procedures involve risk; however, balloon sinuplasty has an exceptional safety record. Unlike traditional sinus surgery, there is no cutting or removing bone or tissue. This minimally-invasive procedure has a low risk of infection and other side effects that often accompany hospital surgery.

This FDA cleared procedure has a quick recovery time and patients are back to a normal routine within 24-48 hours as compared to weeks or months of recovery that is required with traditional sinus surgery.

Balloon Sinuplasty is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery and has a low complication rate. Possible side effects include, but are not limited to: post-operative bleeding, pain and swelling, allergic reaction to anesthesia or other medications administered during the procedure, or infection. There is also a small risk of mucosal damage from the expansion.

Our board-certified team will clearly and fully discuss all risks as part of your treatment decision making process. We listen to your needs and empower you with the tools to make an informed decision about your treatment.

Yes, balloon sinuplasty has been cleared by the FDA since 2005. With decades of experience and clinical data, this procedure is a safe alternative to traditional surgery.

Each patient’s experience of discomfort is unique, however, research shows that there is minimal post-operative pain**. Mild discomfort is more likely to be experienced and is usually well tolerated. Balloon sinuplasty recovery is quick with very little pain or complications.

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure that can be done under local or general anesthesia from the comfort of our office. We customize each treatment plan to meet your unique needs based on your comfort level.

The board-certified team at Southern Indiana ENT has a special understanding of our community. We are committed to meeting the needs of our patients here in Columbus, Seymour, and Franklin, IN and surrounding communities. We respect and value each individual patient and our reputation has been built on decades of high-quality patient interactions. We are committed to:

  • Take time to listen to you
  • Explain your unique treatment options
  • Give you time to ask questions and provide thoughtful answers
  • Earn your trust with every visit

Dr. Sanders, Dr. Hollenkamp, and their staff will put their world-class medical training and discipline to work for you. We take the time to evaluate and explain your options so that you can make a fully informed decision that achieves your goals and meets your needs.

Balloon Sinuplasty (Sinus Dilation) Technology is intended for use by or under the direction of a physician. Consult your physician for a full discussion of associated risks and benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty Technology and to determine whether this procedure is right for you.