Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty?

Typically, individuals that have recurring sinus infections that do not respond to medication and have had four or more sinus infections in the past 12 months may benefit from balloon sinuplasty.

What are the benefits of balloon sinuplasty over traditional nasal surgery?

• Short wait time for surgery
• No tissue, bones or cartilage is removed
• Lower risk of bleeding
• Shorter procedure/quicker recovery time
• Fewer post-op follow-up appointments
• Less need for pain medications
• Reduced risk of scarring

Are there any side effects of the balloon sinuplasty?

Common side effects could include bleeding, tenderness, minor swelling and congestion. Other risks of surgery will be discussed with you by Dr. Rotenberg.

How long does the procedure take?

Each of these procedures takes approximately one hour to do.

What causes Eustachian tube dysfunction?

Eustachian tubes can become inflamed and swollen when an individual has a cold, flu, sinus infection or allergies. Changes in altitude can also cause problems (flying, hiking, etc.)

Who is a good candidate for Eustachian tube dilation?

People who have popping and crackling of their ears, a persistent feeling of ear fullness, or pain in the ears when flying, often do well with balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube.

Are there any side effects of the balloon Eustachian tube dilation?

Common side effects could include a small amount of bleeding in the nose and a sore throat. Sometimes people can experience hearing sounds too loud in their ear for a short time period after surgery. Patients should avoid strenuous activity for a week or two after surgery.