Repeated or persistant nasal problems and sinus infections can wear you down. There are many possible causes, from allergies to structural problems. At Texan ENT Specialists, Dr. Seth Evans will focus on the precise cause of your problem and explain the best treatment options for you.
Treatments for nasal and sinus problems may be as simple as a combination of nasal sprays. However, if surgery is required, you are in the hands of a surgeon who has performed procedures on hundreds of satisfied patients.
Dr. Evans is very experienced in sinus and nasal surgery, having performed over 800 such procedures during his residency and his years in practice.
Below you will find a brief description of some of the most common surgeries we perform. Many of these procedures can be performed in the comfort of our office. Others are performed on an outpatient basis at a surgery center or hospital.
Most Common Nose and Sinus Surgeries
Endoscopic nasal and sinus surgery
This outpatient surgery uses a small endoscope to see and remove polyps and open blocked sinuses with high precision.
CT-guided sinus surgery
With the guidance of a CT scan, even the most complex sinus surgery can be performed with exceptional precision.
Balloon sinuplasty
Often performed in the office, a tiny balloon is passed through the sinus blockage, and inflated. The purpose of the procedure is to permanently open the sinus drainage passageway without cutting or removal of tissue, allowing the sinus cavity to drain and begin to function again. To learn more on this procedure, scroll down the page further.
Septoplasty
The septum is the wall down the middle of the nose on the inside. A deviated or crooked septum can restrict airflow through one of the nasal cavities and disrupt normal breathing. Septoplasty straightens the deviated cartilage and bone inside the septum and can dramatically improve airflow, even in patients with the most severe congestion. Read more about the septoplasty procedure
Turbinate reduction surgery
A reduction in the size of the nasal turbinates (the internal nasal humidifiers) reduces congestion and improves the flow of air through the nasal airway. Teen and adult patients can easily have this procedure in the office with local anesthesia. Read more about the turbinate reduction procedure.
Septal swell body reduction
Septal swell bodies are areas of swelling on the nasal septum which restrict airflow in the nose and can be a major cause of congestion. Using a similar technique to turbinate reduction, the septal swell body can be reduced in size to improve nasal congestion.
Nasal polypectomy
A simple outpatient procedure, sometimes performed in the office, removes nasal polyps to relieve chronic nasal congestion and recurring sinus infections.
Nose bleed treatment
Usually a simple, quick office procedure (even in children), using painless nasal endoscopy, Dr. Evans will determine the location of the problem and with numbing medicine applied, seal the offending blood vessel.
Nasal and sinus problems treated include but are not limited to:
1. Chronic sinusitis
2. Recurrent sinus infections
3. Nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis)
4. Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
5. Deviated nasal septum
6. Enlarged turbinates
7. Nasal polyps
8. Nosebleeds
9. Tumors or masses inside the nose
10. Allergic fungal sinusitis
11. Revision sinus surgery
12. Loss of smell or taste
Are You Tired Of Getting Sinus Infections? Balloon Sinuplasty may be the answer.
You know the feeling: your head is clogged up, your face feels like it’s about to explode, you’re blowing thick goo out of your nose, and you can hardly breathe through your nose. Yes, it’s yet another sinus infection.
If you have recurrent sinus infections (More than 2 per year) or chronic sinusitis (sinus infection lasting more than 3 months), we can help.
At Texan ENT Specialists, Dr. Seth Evans treats all types of sinus problems and performs in-office Balloon Sinuplasty to treat many of these conditions. We see new patients in Kyle, San Marcos, and Lockhart. We accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid plans.
Balloon sinuplasty is a cutting edge, minimally-invasive procedure that can permanently open clogged sinuses without incisions or removing tissue.
Balloon sinuplasty is very safe: there are much fewer complications when compared to traditional endoscopic sinus surgery. There is less pain after the procedure and less time off work. Many patients can go back to work the next day.
We have developed a special method of numbing the inside of your nose and giving mild sedation to keep you very comfortable during the procedure.
You don’t need to go anywhere near a hospital or operating room, and you won’t be exposed to the risks and side effects of general anesthesia.
Imagine fewer sinus infections; less congestion, pressure, and drainage; less missed work and more quality time with your family and friends. All these benefits are possible after a short office procedure!
Balloon Sinuplasty is covered by most health insurance plans, Medicare, and some Medicaid plans. The amount that you need to pay out of pocket varies and is dependent on your particular insurance plan. The balloon device is FDA-approved.
Dr. Seth Evans has performed over 150 Balloon Sinuplasty procedures over the past 4+ years (As of February 2017). He is board-certified in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and is certified to perform Balloon Sinuplasty in the office.
Patients experience significant improvements in their sinus symptoms after having Balloon Sinuplasty. A review of 6 research studies on Balloon Sinuplasty showed that Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20) scores dropped from an average of 46 before the procedure to 18 over a span of 3 months to 2 years afterward.
This type of improvement is typical of our patients who have Balloon Sinuplasty. Dr. Evans has studied the results in his own patients and has found about 85% have at least a 20% improvement in their SNOT-20 score and about 65% have at least a 50% improvement.
You can take the Sinonasal Outcome Test HERE. Your score is the total of all your circled answers (Worst score = 100).
If you are interested in learning more about Balloon Sinuplasty or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Evans, please call our office between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday-Thursday or between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm on Friday.
During your first appointment, you’ll be evaluated by Dr. Evans. This evaluation includes learning about your history of sinus and nasal problems and examining the inside of your nose with a thin endoscope. The doctor might recommend additional testing, such as a CT scan of the sinuses.
Once all the necessary information has been gathered, Dr. Evans will provide a treatment recommendation customized to your needs. This recommendation might include balloon sinuplasty, another procedure or procedures, allergy testing, and/or treatment with medicines.
If you decide to proceed with in-office balloon sinuplasty, we will contact your insurance for approval and to find out if there are any out of pocket costs for you. Once this step has been done, we can schedule your procedure. Usually, out of pocket costs are substantially less for procedures done in the office because there are no charges for an anesthesiologist or for the hospital/surgery center.
Frequently Asked Questions about Balloon Sinuplasty
What insurance plans cover the procedure?
Most insurance plans in Texas cover the procedure. This includes Medicare and some Medicaid plans.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
Your out-of-pocket costs depend on the extent of the procedure, your insurance plan and deductible. We offer customized payment plans for patients with high deductibles. Because the procedure is not “one size fits all,” it is impossible to give an accurate estimate of your costs before you have been evaluated by the doctor.
What is a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure
Balloon sinuplasty is most simply described as a plumbing solution. The “pipes” out of your sinuses are too narrow and become easily clogged, leading to sinus infections. The balloon is placed into the narrow sinus openings and inflated, thus widening the “pipes” and allowing the sinus to drain more easily. The balloon is inflated with high pressure water and is able to open the bone around the sinus opening. Because of this bony remodeling, the procedure can provide long-lasting benefit.
Which sinuses are opened with the balloon?
There are a total of 6 sinuses that can be opened, 3 on each side of the nose. These are the frontal sinuses in the forehead, the maxillary sinuses in the cheeks, and the sphenoid sinuses which lie in the back of the nose. Anywhere from 1 to all 6 of the sinuses can be opened during any Balloon Sinuplasty procedure. The treatment is tailored to each patient’s symptoms, physical exam findings, and any radiologic imaging that is done.
What happens before the procedure?
About 1 hour before coming in to the office for your procedure, you will take a dose of pain medicine. You must have a friend or relative drive you to and from the procedure. Once you arrive, we will give a you a shot of sedative which will make you drowsy during the procedure. A few patients fall asleep, but most are just relaxed and drowsy during the procedure. Your vital signs and oxygen levels are continually monitored while you are in the office. While the sedative is taking effect, Dr. Evans will spend about 20-30 minutes numbing the inside of your nose prior to starting the balloon procedure.
What happens after the procedure?
Most patients will go home and take a nap until the sedative wears off completely. You should expect some mild bloody oozing from the nose for a few hours after the procedure. Usually, bleeding is minor and resolves quickly. We will provide a drip pad that is secured under your nose and extra gauze. The morning after the procedure, you should start rinsing your nose with a Neil Med or other sinus rinse twice daily (these are available at any drug store or grocery store). You should expect some sinus pressure, congestion, and discomfort for several days after the procedure. Usually this lasts 3-5 days before improving. You should be able to return to work the next day.
What are the risks of Balloon Sinuplasty?
Overall, the procedure is very safe. Out of the 75+ procedures Dr. Evans has performed, there have been no significant complications. The most common problems reported in the medical literature are bleeding, discomfort, and failure to relieve sinus symptoms. Extremely rare complications include injury to the eye socket, leak of cerebrospinal fluid from the skull base, or loss of smell.
What are the potential benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty?
The benefits are having fewer sinus infections and less severe sinus infections. There should be less sinus pressure, nasal drainage, congestion, and headache. A research study of over 1000 patients showed that more than 95% reported improved symptoms 9 months or more after their balloon sinuplasty procedures.
What are the alternatives to Balloon Sinuplasty?
The benefits are having fewer sinus infections and less severe sinus infections. There should be less sinus pressure, nasal drainage, congestion, and headache. A research study of over 1000 patients showed that more than 95% reported improved symptoms 9 months or more after their balloon sinuplasty procedures.
What are the alternatives to Balloon Sinuplasty?
One alternative is continuing to treat the sinus infections with antibiotics, steroids, allergy medications, and sinus irrigations. An alternative surgical treatment would be traditional endoscopic sinus surgery. Traditional sinus surgery still remains the best treatment for some patients, especially those with large nasal polyps or those who have had previous sinus surgery.
Does the balloon work?
We can never guarantee any benefit for any one person. However, medical research has shown the balloon is effective at treating chronic sinusitis and recurrent sinus infections. Research also shows that the balloon is equally as effective as traditional sinus surgery at improving quality of life.
Will I need to have Balloon Sinuplasty again in the future?
Most likely, no, though it is possible that the sinus openings can shrink and close again. A research study showed that about 90% of dilated sinuses remained open 2 years after balloon sinuplasty. This percentage was equivalent to results seen after traditional sinus surgery.
How many people have had Balloon Sinuplasty?
Dr. Evans has performed approximately 130 balloon procedures in the office from 2012-2016. Nationally, over 330,000 patients have had balloon sinuplasty since 2004.
Is Balloon Sinuplasty approved by the Food and Drug Administration?
The device used to perform Balloon Sinuplasty has been approved by the FDA since 2005.
Does having Balloon Sinuplasty limit my future treatment options for sinusitis?
No, Balloon Sinuplasty does not “burn any bridges.”
For advanced, effective nasal and sinus care in the South Austin area, including Kyle, San Marcos, Buda, and Lockhart, call Texan ENT Specialists at (512) 550-0321.