PHX Reporter

Good news is forthcoming for prospective sinus surgery patients: Thanks to revolutionary research and technology progress, surgical procedures to repair sinus problems are becoming less and less invasive.

Progress and growth in endoscopic sinus surgery and balloon sinuplasty have created a minimally invasive approach to treating chronic sinusitis, according to studies across multiple publications, including the National Institutes of Health and The Surgical Technologist.

With sinusitis affecting 37 million Americans every year and one of the leading causes for visits to primary care physicians, according to The Surgical Technologist, the steps taken to improve sinus-related procedures are important.

Diana Ruiloba, a physician assistant at Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Center, encourages chronic sufferers of sinusitis to consider the procedure. 

"Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an advanced technique (a balloon) to treat sinuses," Ruiloba explained. "This is an appropriate intervention for sinuses that are no longer functioning optimally."

The advances in sinusitis treatment include improved imaging of a patient's sinuses, according to The Surgical Technologist. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the sinus cavities act as a guide in a complicated procedure and reduce the chances that a revision or second operation will be needed. 

This image guidance is crucial for operations to the sinuses due to their proximity to the brain; it reduces the need for tubes and other instruments in the operation. 

Postoperative care is usually simple and quick due to the minimally invasive nature of the balloon sinuplasty procedure. Patients are observed for bleeding or any abnormal symptoms while they are administered humidified oxygen. 

"This procedure, on average, takes about 30 to 40 minutes, which conveniently can be done in the office," Ruiloba said. "Overall, a great procedure to help improve quality of life by giving you an opportunity to breathe your best."