NOSE
When you’re feeling poorly because of a problem with your nose or mouth your entire life just doesn’t feel the same. Our sense of smell helps us enjoy life — we can take in the aromas of our favorite foods and environments but it’s also is a warning system, alerting us to danger signals such as gas leaks, spoiled food and fire. Sinusitis can be acute and short-lasting or a chronic recurring problem but either way it can debilitate our lives. Snoring problems can not only steal a good night’s sleep, but also affect the ones you love most.
Nearly everyone has made the trip down the cough and cold aisle at the supermarket to see an arsenal of sinus symptom relief. Dealing with the symptoms of sinusitis can be confusing and often many people might not even know they have the condition, but rather they assume the symptoms are all part of a nasty cold. Regardless your unique circumstance we can help you find a solution.
BALLOON SINUS SURGERY
IN OFFICE SINUS BALLOON DILATION
What is Balloon Sinus Dilation?
Balloon Sinus Dilation is a new surgical procedure that can be performed in an office setting for treatment of chronic sinusitis. It is a quick, safe and minimally invasive procedure, performed under local anesthesia. A small balloon is inserted into the nose using an endoscope and video camera. The balloon is then inflated to dilate and open the sinus pathway and allow for better drainage from the sinus cavity.
The recovery period is generally 1-2 days and is appropriate for patients with chronic sinus symptoms who have not responded well to treatment with medications like antibiotics, allergy medications or nasal steroid sprays. It differs from traditional functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), which is usually performed in an outpatient surgery center setting and involves general anesthesia. Balloon procedures can often be done in conjunction with other nasal/sinus procedures such as a septoplasty, turbinate resection or polypectomy.
While some insurance companies still consider this procedure a non-covered service, most insurance companies, including Medicare, BlueCross, Aetna, UnitedHealthCare, Humana, Firstcare, UMC Team Choice and many others, do cover this procedure.
" One benefit of sinus balloon dilation is that patient’s often have a reduced out of pocket cost associated with performing this procedure in an office setting. Traditional functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) requires the use of an outpatient surgical facility and anesthesiologist, in addition to the otolaryngologist performing the surgery. With in-office balloon dilation surgery, there are no facility or anesthesia charges. This procedure is not the right for everyone, but is an option for many depending on the underlying causes of symptoms."
To see if you are a candidate or learn more about this option schedule an appointment today.