Dilation/Balloon Sinuplasty
Conveniently located to serve Chicago and North Shore
What is Balloon Sinus Dilation?
Balloon sinus dilation is a surgical option for treatment of blocked sinuses. If you have been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and are not responding well to antibiotics you may be a candidate for surgery. Balloon sinus dilation is a less invasive option that is clinically proven to be safe, effective and improve the quality of your life.
Who Is A Candidate for Balloon Sinus Dilation?
The first step in determining if Balloon Sinus Dilation is right for you, is to have Dr. Rachel review your medical history, CT scan and perform an exam of your sinuses. For patients who have failed medical therapy, Dilation sinuplasty may be the best option for reversing your sinusitis cycle.
General benchmarks are the recurrent or chronic sinusitis patients:
- In the past year, a sinus infection (symptoms lasting ten days or longer) on three separate occasions – with interim periods of no symptoms.
- Sinusitis symptoms lasting 12 or more weeks.
What is the Balloon Sinus Dilation Procedure?
Step 1. A balloon catheter is inserted
into the inflamed sinus.
Step 2. The balloon is inflated
to expand the sinus opening.
Step 3. The system is removed,
leaving the sinuses open.
Does Balloon Sinus Dilation Work?
Yes. Studies have proven Balloon Sinus Dilation provides long-term relief from sinus symptoms by opening blocked sinus passageways for 94% of patients.
Does Insurance Cover Balloon Sinus Dilations?
With the exception of a few insurance plans, the vast majority of insurance companies cover balloon sinus dilation. In fact, Medicare was the first to approve the procedure for the office.
What Is the Recovery from Balloon Sinus Dilations Like?
Since there is no tissue removal there is usually minimal bleeding, bruising or swelling associated with balloon sinus dilation. Patients may have some bloody nasal discharge for a day or two following the procedure, but that’s it. Patients can usually resume normal activities quickly.
My daughter just had surgery done with Dr. Rachel. During our initial consultation he spent at least 30 mins with us and answered every questions. I cannot say enough about how wonderful he was and how supportive his staff was. Dr. Rachel was precise, very caring (he called personally the night after the surgery to check on her and gave us his personal cell phone number). He truly cares about his patients and has a friendly and comforting bedside manner. We were in great hands.
Balloon Sinus Dilation FAQ’S
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Is balloon sinus dilation new?
Balloon Sinus Dilation was introduced in 2005 as a convenient, less invasive alternative to sinus surgery. The procedure was most commonly performed in the operating room or surgery centers. In 2011, Medicare and many private insurance companies approved the procedure to be performed in the office.
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Will my nose be packed?
A dressing may be placed in the nose, but usually packing is not used.
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Is the balloon left in?
No. The balloon is positioned in the opening of the sinus, dilated, deflated and removed.
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How long will I be off work?
Swelling in the back of the nose may result in ear discomfort with pressure changes such as with ascent or decent in an airplane. An oral decongestant or a nasal spray may be effective to reduce the swelling, if flying is necessary within 2 weeks of the procedure.
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Can I fly after the procedure?
Most patients can travel two weeks after the procedure. However, many patients are able to travel sooner.
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I had sinus surgery before. I am a candidate for balloon sinus dilation?
Yes. Some patients who have had surgery before may be a candidate for dilation sinuplasty.
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I have a deviated septum. Will balloon sinus dilation fix that?
There is a technique using a balloon for management of certain forms of septal deflection. The balloon sinus dilation is a different procedure.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. John D. Rachel, Quadruple Board-certified otolaryngologist.