What's it like to have a balloon sinuplasty?

The treatment of sinus complaints has been completely revolutionized with balloon sinus dilation. What used to be an extensive surgery under general anesthesia in the operating room is now a simple office procedure. Patients are excited that this technology is available but have understandable fear of what they might feel during the procedure. ENT doctors are taking different approaches to providing patient comfort from simple local anesthesia to various oral sedation protocols. The physicians at The Nasal and Sinus Center offer IV sedation provided by a board certified anesthesiologist to provide the ultimate in safety and comfort. This "margarita" means the patient is in twighlight sedation without recollection or any discomfort throughout the procedure but it is not a general anesthesia. This brief sedation means a rapid recovery without the hangover of general anesthesia. When considering balloon sinuplasty inquire about the type of comfort measures your physician uses to make sure you are comfortable with that technique as it is quite variable from office to office. Daniel Slaughter, MD