PHX Reporter

• UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson underwent a sinus procedure shortly before announcing his resignation.

• He had the procedure in the morning and returned to work later that same day.

• A balloon sinuplasty procedure can take as little as 30 minutes, and recovery times are minimal.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his resignation in early July, following a string of controversies and scandals throughout his almost 3 years in office, CNBC reported.  During the 2 days leading up to his announcement, dozens of members of Johnson’s own party called for him to step down, expressing their lack of confidence in the Conservative Party leader. 

Johnson said he will remain in office until a new party leader is chosen to take over. 

Two weeks before he said “Hasta la vista, baby” in his final "Prime Minister's Questions" session, Johnson took a quick trip to a hospital to take care of a sinus issue. 

In late June, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson underwent a minor sinus procedure, The Guardian reported.

Johnson went to the hospital around 6 a.m. and was home by 10 a.m. A medical source said that Johnson likely had a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), which is used to treat chronic sinusitis. One method of FESS is when a doctor inserts a small balloon into the patient's nostril, then inflates the balloon to widen the patient's blocked sinus. This procedure does not involve facial incisions, and complications are rare.

"Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an advanced technique (a balloon) to treat sinuses," Diana Ruiloba, physician assistant at Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, told Grand Canyon Times. "This is an appropriate intervention for sinuses that are no longer functioning optimally. This procedure, on average, takes about 30 to 40 minutes, which conveniently can be done in the office. Overall, a great procedure to help improve quality of life by giving you an opportunity to breathe your best."

On the day of his sinus procedure, Johnson was able to return to his office and attend meetings in the afternoon, Bloomberg reported.

Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery, is a procedure used to clear blocked sinuses. This surgery is relatively new, having been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2005. It’s also commonly referred to as the “smart sinus” procedure, according to Healthline.

After a balloon sinuplasty, many people are able to return to their regular activities within a day or two. Some people even drive themselves home after the procedure.

Balloon sinuplasty is becoming more popular because it carries lower risks and a quicker recovery time than traditional sinus surgery, according to GoodRx. The procedure can take as little as 30 minutes and does not require the removal of any bones or facial tissue, leading to less pain and swelling and a lower risk of infection.

Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers offers a Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz to help learn more about sinus health and treatment options.