Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat chronic sinusitis. During the procedure, a doctor carefully inserts a small balloon into the sinus cavity and gently inflates it. As the balloon expands, it widens the sinus opening, allowing trapped mucus to drain more effectively.
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Purpose of Balloon Sinuplasty
Millions of people suffer from chronic sinusitis, which causes persistent symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose. While medical treatments like antibiotics help most patients, symptoms that last more than 12 weeks may require further intervention. In such cases, doctors may recommend balloon sinuplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery. Both procedures help relieve sinus blockage without making incisions inside or around the nose.
Since its introduction in 2005, balloon sinuplasty has grown in popularity. It can now be performed not only in hospitals but also in outpatient clinics and medical offices.
Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure
Before the Procedure
Before undergoing balloon sinuplasty, patients typically receive a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the procedure is the most suitable treatment. The scan helps assess the severity of sinusitis and evaluates the overall sinus structure.
During the Procedure
Balloon sinuplasty can be performed either in a hospital operating room or in a medical office.
In a hospital setting:
Patients may receive general anesthesia or conscious sedation (local anesthesia that keeps the patient awake but pain-free). The doctor will then:
- Apply a topical decongestant inside the nose to minimize bleeding.
- Inject local anesthesia into the nasal tissue.
- Insert a thin tube with a light (endoscope) through the nostril.
- Guide a small balloon into the sinus cavity using a catheter.
- Gradually inflate the balloon to open the blocked sinus.
- Deflate and remove the balloon (this process may be repeated if necessary).
In a clinic or outpatient setting:
The patient is seated in a reclinable chair. The steps include:
- Applying a topical decongestant to the nasal cavity.
- Spraying local anesthetic and placing medicated cotton inside the nose for absorption.
- Removing the cotton and injecting local anesthesia into the nasal tissue.
- Using an endoscope to guide the catheter into the sinus.
- Inflating the balloon to clear the blockage.
- Deflating and removing the balloon (repeated if needed).
After the Procedure
Once the procedure is complete, patients are monitored until they feel comfortable enough to return home. Most doctors recommend that someone accompany the patient for transportation.
Follow-up appointments may be scheduled as follows:
- 1 week post-procedure: Follow-up exam and nasal endoscopy.
- 3 months post-procedure: Follow-up with endoscopy.
- 1 year post-procedure: Comprehensive check-up including nasal endoscopy and overall nasal health assessment.
Is Balloon Sinuplasty Painful?
Balloon sinuplasty is generally not painful. Most patients report only mild pressure in the nose during the procedure. Afterward, there may be slight nasal discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The doctor will advise which medications are safe and which should be avoided during recovery.
What Are the Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is a safe and minimally invasive option for treating chronic sinusitis. Research shows that its results can be long-lasting. Compared to conventional sinus surgery, it offers:
- Faster recovery
- Less post-procedure pain
- Minimal downtime
Risks of Balloon Sinuplasty
Although complications are rare, balloon sinuplasty does carry some risks, including:
- Cerebrospinal fluid leakage (due to the sinus cavity’s proximity to the brain)
- Damage to the eye area
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Infection
In some cases, sinus symptoms may return, requiring a repeat procedure or additional treatment like endoscopic sinus surgery.
Recovery Time After Balloon Sinuplasty
Patients usually need 24 to 48 hours of rest at home following the procedure. To support recovery, doctors may recommend:
- Avoid blowing your nose for the first 24–48 hours.
- Use nasal sprays to flush the sinuses.
- Sleep with the head elevated if nasal congestion occurs.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least one week.
Most patients are well on their way to full recovery and able to resume normal activities within one to two weeks.
Balloon Sinuplasty ENT Specialist at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri features a dedicated Sinus and Snoring Center that offers balloon sinuplasty, performed by an experienced ENT specialist with international training—dr. Abdillah Hasbi Assadyk, Sp.THT-KL.
Dr. Abdillah has extensive expertise in managing chronic sinusitis and sleep apnea—a sleep disorder characterized by loud snoring or breathing pauses during sleep.
To enhance his skillset, Dr. Abdillah completed intensive training in Italy and studied directly under Prof. Lino Businco, a world-renowned ENT expert known for treating international celebrities such as singer Andrea Bocelli and Italian football legend Francesco Totti.
This invaluable experience enables Dr. Abdillah to deliver modern, comprehensive, and internationally standardized ENT care to patients in Indonesia.
dr. Abdillah Hasbi Assadyk, Sp.THT-KL is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on the following schedule:
- Monday to Friday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB & 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Saturday: 08.00 – 20.00 WIB
To visit the Sinus and Snoring Center and consult with dr. Abdillah, use the WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment feature, or download the Care Dokter app on Google Play or App Store to check queue numbers, book visits, and access more information.
