For those who suffer from chronic sinus inflammation (or sinusitis), Des Peres Hospital offers a new minimally invasive procedure to open up their blocked sinuses called Balloon SinuplastyTM. 

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, more than 37 million Americans suffer from at least one episode of acute sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health conditions in America.  The prevalence of sinusitis has soared in the last decade possibly due to increased pollution, urban sprawl, and increased resistance to antibiotics.

Sinuses are hollow air spaces within the bones surrounding the nose.  Sinusitis is an inflammation or infection of the membrane lining of any sinus.  Acute sinusitis, which often starts as a cold, is a short-term condition that is typically treated with antibiotics and decongestants.  When a person has frequent sinusitis, or the infection lasts three months or more, it could be chronic sinusitis.

People who suffer from chronic sinusitis may have the following symptoms for 12 weeks or more: facial pain or pressure, headache, fatigue, thick nasal discharge or discolored post-nasal drainage, loss of sense of smell or taste, difficulty breathing through the nose, bad breath, pus in the nasal cavity, and at times, fever.

When medical therapy such doesn’t provide adequate relief, surgery may be an option.  Conventional sinus surgery requires bone and tissue removal in order to open up blocked sinus passageways.  With this new minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty procedure, otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) at Des Peres Hospital place a small, flexible balloon catheter through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway.  The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, which is then irrigated, restoring normal sinus drainage and function.

Dr. Paul Burk is one of four otolaryngologists on staff at Des Peres Hospital to use this technique and has performed the procedure on more than 45 patients.

“This is a true advance in sinus care because in many cases it can be done without removing any tissue or bone,” said Dr. Burk.  “That means potentially faster recovery times and less post-procedure discomfort.  In fact, several of my patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours and have had significant improvement in their symptoms.”

For a referral to an otolaryngologist at Des Peres Hospital who performs balloon sinuplasty, call toll free 1-866-334-2492.