What is sinus balloon dilation

  The incidence of chronic sinusitis is very high, and the number of cases is increasing every year due to air pollution. The most common and effective treatment for patients who are not well treated with medication is “functional” endoscopic sinus opening, which aims to re-establish sinus ventilation and drainage through the natural opening of the sinuses. However, it is difficult to achieve a truly “functional” sinus opening with the current surgical approach, and damage to the mucosa of the sinus drainage channels, the formation of postoperative scar tissue, uncontrollable bleeding during surgery, and medically induced injuries due to surgery are still inevitable.  Sinus balloon dilation is performed by inserting a small, flexible balloon into the sinus passages under nasal endoscopic guidance, and using the expansion of the balloon to restore the passages that have shrunk or been occluded due to inflammation to their original size or slightly larger, allowing air to enter the sinuses smoothly and flushing the sinus cavity with saline to achieve the goal of treatment. Studies have shown that this procedure can successfully widen the sinus openings in all patients without causing complications or adverse effects. Pre- and post-operative CT scans and endoscopic examinations have confirmed the safety of this technique.  Advantages of sinus balloon dilation: 1. Minimally invasive: this procedure does not require the removal of any tissue and is less destructive to tissue; less intraoperative bleeding, less postoperative pain and swelling.  2.Effective: Clinical data shows that 97% of the occluded sinuses can be successfully opened with this technique. 90% of the patients tested felt significant efficacy and improvement of symptoms.  3.Safety: The advantage of this new technique is that good results can be achieved without complications.  4.Less pain and faster recovery: Compared with general sinus surgery, this treatment can greatly reduce the pain of patients. Some patients can resume normal activities within 24 hours after surgery.