When allergy treatments fail to relieve chronic sinus problems, many people turn to sinus surgery for long-term relief. The sinuses are an intricate system of small passageways, so surgical intervention is a delicate procedure that requires a skilled and proficient physician.
Our ear nose and throat physicians at Colorado ENT & Allergy have decades of experience performing sinus procedures, and we’ve outlined some of the most common surgeries.
Balloon Sinuplasty
What is a Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a tiny balloon into the sinus cavity. The balloon is then inflated to open the sinus passage before being deflated and removed. This allows the affected passage to resume normal sinus drainage
What are the advantages of a Balloon Sinuplasty?
- Faster recovery time than with traditional sinus surgery
- Less bleeding
- There is less pain
- No nasal packing is involved
Who benefits the most from Balloon Sinuplasty?
- Have chronic sinus problems for more than three months
- Those needing ongoing management of acute sinusitis
- Patients with blocked sinuses
- Those who may have had a previous sinus surgery
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
What is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
This surgical procedure removes blockages in the sinuses from chronic rhinosinusitis or chronic sinusitis. When the mucous membranes swell and become blocked, it can cause pain, and impaired breathing. The surgery widens the opening of the sinuses to relieve swelling and inflammation and allows them to drain.
Who is a candidate for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
Typically, this surgery is a good option for those who have naturally narrow sinus passageways, those with chronic obstruction or sinus blockage. These conditions cause fluid to build up in the sinus, causing chronic infections.
What are the advantages of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
- Reduction of the number and severity of sinus infections
- Improvement of symptoms associated with sinusitis.
- Improvement of Airflow
- Improvement of sense of smell.
During this procedure we us an endoscope. Which is a flexible tube with a small camera and light. This allows our surgeon to clearly see inside your nose and sinuses. This surgery is minimally invasive, so there is no need for incisions in your face or mouth, and it’s usually an outpatient procedure.
Septoplasty or Surgery to Repair the Septum
The septum is the part of your nose that separates it into the left and right nostrils. It’s made from cartilage and bone. When there is a hole or tear in it, it is called a septal perforation. Another problem is when it veers to the left or right called a deviated septum. This causes difficulties and contributes to chronic sinus problems. In some cases, a deviated septum can completely obstruct the nasal passage. A procedure to correct these conditions is called a septoplasty.
How is a Septoplasty done?
During the procedure, your surgeon lifts the mucosa lining off the cartilage and bone to reshape it. If necessary, some portions are removed before the lining is returned into place. This may be done as an inpatient or outpatient procedure, depending upon each individual case.
What are the advantages of Septoplasty?
- Improved sleep quality
- Improved breathing
- Fatigue dissipates
- Better sense of taste and smell
Rhinoplasty
What is Rhinoplasty?
Surgery that changes the shape of the nose to change the appearance of the nose and or to improve breathing. The upper portion of the nose is bone and the lower is cartilage. This surgery can change bone, cartilage, skin or all three. Your surgeon will develop a plan specifically for you.
Why do people get a Rhinoplasty?
- To change the size, shape or proportions of nose
- Repair deformities from an Injury
- Correct a birth defect
- Improve breathing difficulties
We offer extensive surgeries for the ear, nose and throat.
Our board-certified physicians evaluate each individual case to determine the right treatment for you. Our ENT Surgeons will explain in understandable terms that is going to happen during your surgery and what to expect. Learn more about the conditions we treat and the treatments & procedures for noses and sinuses.