Montgomery News

• Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively new procedure, having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005. 
• This procedure is becoming more popular because it has lower risks and a quicker recovery time than traditional sinus surgery. 
• Surveys indicate that 91% of patients say that they would have a balloon procedure again, with only 49% of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Patients saying that they would opt for the same procedure.

Balloon sinuplasty is a safe, minimally invasive procedure commonly offered by surgeons to treat chronic sinusitis. According to Dr. Stephen Bane of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, balloon sinuplasty is a straightforward and manageable procedure for patients.

“Balloon sinuplasty procedure is safer, it works better and there's less recovery," Dr. Bane told the Montgomery News. “It has been revolutionary in changing the way we do things.”

According to Healthline, balloon sinuplasty is most often recommended for people with chronic sinusitis, after other treatments for their condition have been ineffective. Balloon sinuplasty is fairly straightforward, and reported complications are minimal. There’s no cutting and no removal of bones or tissue. After a balloon sinuplasty procedure, many people are able to return to their regular activities within a day or two. Some people even drive themselves home from the procedure.

Balloon sinuplasty is performed in a hospital or the office of an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, according to Healthline. A balloon sinuplasty procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Patients will consult with their doctor to develop an anesthesia plan, ensuring they understand what to expect during the procedure. 

During the procedure, a small wire with a tiny flashlight at the tip is inserted into the sinus cavity, allowing the surgeon to see clearly as they work. Next, a slim, flexible balloon catheter is gently inserted into the sinus passage. The balloon is then gradually inflated to widen the sinus opening. The doctor will then flush out built-up pus and mucus in the sinus cavity with a saline solution. Patients will feel a decrease in pressure when this happens. While the balloon is in the sinus passage, it gently restructures the bones around the sinuses. Once this process is complete, doctors will remove the balloon. This leaves the sinus passage widened and free of built-up pressure.

According to Capitol Breathe Free's website, Dr. Stephen Bane trained in general surgery at NYU and Bellevue Hospitals in New York. He has been practicing in Woodbridge and has been on staff at Potomac Hospital/Sentara Northern VA Medical Center since 1997. He has served as Chairman of the OR Committee, ENT Section Chief, and Medical Executive Committee, and is currently the Chairman of the Surgical Department. Dr. Bane was recognized as one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top Doctors in 2020.