Anyone ever had a balloon sinuplasty?

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We do them under general anesthesia.

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How does that work? Just gas them out and that's it? Also, do you do balloon sinuplasty for the sphenoid sinuses?

Several years ago they only did Balloon Sinuplasty under general anesth and in a hosp or surg center. Today, primarily due to reimbursement changes and technology changes (technology advances) they do them in office under local anesth. Yes, they do sphenoids - they do frontals, max, sphenoids... As with any procedure, just try to do your research and make sure your ENT has a good reputation, and has the volume. One of the best ways to get that information is to call JNJ (Acclarent) and Intellus customer Svc and ask them to have the rep in your area contact you. Speak with the reps there and find out who they recommend. They'll know whos is proficient and who sucks and to stay away from

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Sorry to hijack thread, but would you know why I lose my sense of smell and taste completely every time I get a cold? Would I be a good candidate for this?

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Because the mucus plugs up your nose. Just like holding your nose when there's a bad smell.

Your sense of taste is partly dependent on scent.

Had it done last year, great decision. I haven't had a sinus infection since and I was getting them quite frequently.

My ent gave me a Valium and numbed the area, it was intense for a while because they had trouble with one sinus opening. Had a headache from hell that afternoon, but it didn't last long.

It's amazing the shite that comes out of your head for the following few weeks.

Update for me:

Just had the procedure today.

Before the procedure I had 3 rounds of steroids and 4 rounds of antibiotics which were taken over the course of 1.5 years, the amount of time my issue has lasted roughly. I provide this info so people know I exhausted the medication route before going the surgery route.


Went under general anesthesia, didn't feel a thing, had very few issues after the anesthesia even though I had to be wheeled out to the car in a wheelchair, which I believe is standard procedure.


I was given hydrocodone and an anti-nausea med to take if necessary. I took a hydrocodone once I got home and I really haven't felt much pain since then.

As it stands after the hydrocodone has worn off I feel some soreness in my frontal sinus cavities and maxillary sinuses, but overall I can feel a bit of clarity. I've also had gauze under my nose all day due to bleeding (normal).


Feel like this is going to workout after everything sort of heals up after being irritated from the procedure.

I can't imagine what the full reconstruction procedure is like.