Wake E.N.T. Specialists

Sinusitis

Balloon Sinuplasty™ Cary, NC Do you suffer from chronic sinusitis or sinus symptoms? Have you tried over-the-counter medications and antibiotics but still feel miserable? Get instant, permanent relief with Balloon Sinuplasty™, a clinically proven procedure to treat chronic sinusitis and sinus pain. Balloon Sinuplasty™ is performed in the office of Wake Sinus Center here in Cary, NC, usually under local anesthesia, and on average lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour. Recovery is minimal, with little to no downtime, and most people are able to return to their normal routines within 48 hours following the procedure. Since its introduction in 2005, this treatment has been performed on over 330,000 people worldwide, with an excellent track record of safety, quick recovery and excellent outcomes. Unlike endoscopic sinus surgery, Balloon Sinuplasty™ requires no cutting or removal of bone and tissue. The procedure boasts a fast recovery time, high success rate, and has been successfully performed for years. Studies have consistently shown improvement in 95 percent of patients who have undergone Balloon Sinuplasty™. Balloon Sinuplasty Vs Sinus Surgery Before the development of Balloon Sinuplasty™, those suffering from chronic sinusitis had only one main surgical option: traditional (endoscopic) sinus surgery. It was hardly a pleasant solution for anyone’s sinus problems. The surgery took 2 to 4 hours and was performed under general anesthesia in the hospital operating room. There was substantial trauma as tissue was destroyed and removed. Extensive bleeding required nasal packing, which was found to be very uncomfortable post-surgery. Recovery took 1 to 2 weeks, and sometimes longer depending on the patient. Balloon Sinuplasty™ is significantly less invasive and much less painful, permitting a return to normal daily activities rapidly. Ideal Candidates For Balloon Sinuplasty Patients who suffer from sinusitis and symptoms of sinus pain and can’t get relief from medications or any other type of treatment are generally ideal candidates for Balloon Sinuplasty™; actual determination will be dependent on the consultation with the doctor. An estimated 37 million Americans suffer from chronic sinusitis, a nasal condition in which the sinus passages are inflamed and swollen for 12 weeks or longer. Sufferers may find it difficult to breathe through their nose, and may experience facial pain or pressure, headaches, fatigue or nausea, and pain in the upper teeth. Chronic sinusitis can be the result of an infection, an allergic reaction, a deviated septum or nasal polyps (growths within the sinuses). According to published studies, up to 60 percent of people with chronic sinusitis are not successfully treated with medication. For them, Balloon Sinuplasty™ may be their best option. People who complain about chronic sinus headaches or infections typically experience these main symptoms: Pressure buildup in the face and head Pain around the eyes Constant stuffiness and congestion Inability to breathe through the nose, especially during sleep Weakness and fatigue Fever Ear fullness Post-nasal drip No willingness or desire to do anything and/or difficulty going to work Recovery From Balloon Sinuplasty There’s little to no downtime for Balloon Sinuplasty™; most people have reported returning to work and their normal activities 1-2 days after the procedure. One of the biggest benefits people report after having Balloon Sinuplasty™ is that they’re finally able to breathe again. They also report finally being able to do the things they love and enjoy their lives because they’re not sitting in a dark room enduring their sinusitis pain and symptoms. While there are over-the-counter medications, nasal sprays and antibiotics available for these sinusitis symptoms, many people don’t want to rely on medications forever. Because of Balloon Sinuplasty™, people can now get permanent sinus relief in the office without traditional surgery. If you suffer from chronic sinusitis and can’t get relief with medications or any other types of treatments, you could be a good fit for Balloon Sinuplasty™. To find out, schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Gupta of Wake Sinus Center in Cary. During this initial consultation, Dr. Gupta will discuss your medical history, your sinus symptoms and lifestyle, and together you and Dr. Gupta will come to the best solution for your needs. He will walk through all the possible treatment options with you. If Balloon Sinuplasty™ is the right choice for you, Dr. Gupta will explain how the procedure works and what you can expect post-procedure. Our staff will also be there to help you throughout the entire process from consultation to post-procedure. Rest assured that all of your questions will be answered so that you know exactly what to expect.

Balloon Sinuplasty

How Balloon Sinuplasty Is Performed A flexible balloon catheter (a long catheter with an inflatable balloon on the tip) is inserted through the nose and to the opening of the sinus. The balloon is slowly inflated, which allows the nasal passages to drain normally, relieving sinus pain and pressure. The balloon catheter is then removed, leaving the sinuses cleared of mucus and facilitating normal drainage. There is little to no disruption to the mucosal lining of the sinuses. While the use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology is minimally invasive and has been clinically demonstrated to be safe by leading ear, nose and throat doctors around the world. Furthermore, balloon catheter technology has been used successfully in other medical procedures such as balloon angioplasty for the heart. Side effects are rare, and the complication rate is low. However, as is true with any type of medical intervention, there are some potential risks and complications with balloon sinus dilation, including damage to tissue and mucus around the infected area, injury to the eyes and brain, post-operative bleeding, and allergic reaction to anesthesia or other medications administered during the procedure. In general, though, the risks involved with Balloon Sinuplasty™ are much lower than with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), and the majority of Balloon Sinuplasty™ patients report significant improvement in their symptoms with no adverse effects. The Benefits Of Balloon Sinuplasty The number one advantage to Balloon Sinuplasty™ is that it’s less invasive than traditional sinus surgery. Sinus tissue is not cut and removed, but rather, simply widened. This results in less trauma to the general sinus area, reducing post-operative pain, scarring, bleeding and overall recovery time. Compared to traditional functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), Balloon Sinuplasty™ is truly a breakthrough procedure. FESS was the standard surgical option since the 1980s. Using cutting instruments, FESS removes bone and tissue to enlarge sinus openings, clearing blocked nasal passages and restoring normal sinus drainage. The procedure is performed in the operating room with general anesthesia, and normally takes 2 to 4 hours. Of course, not everyone wants the stress and hassle of a hospital operating room procedure, nor does a long recovery period appeal to most people. With FESS, recovery following the operation is usually 1 to 2 weeks, with very limited activity during that period.FESS is performed using general anesthesia in a hospital operating room. During the operation, a surgeon cuts and removes both tissue and bone. This can result in complications such as scarring, severe pain, blood loss and the chance of infection, along with a 1 to 2 week recovery time. In 2005, a new revolutionary, new treatment option became available: Balloon Sinuplasty™. This is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure which utilizes small, flexible balloons to open blocked sinuses. Balloon Sinuplasty™ is performed in our medical office, usually under local anesthesia. Clinical research has indicated that the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system is safe and effective, delivering immediate relief to sinusitis sufferers. Many report instantly being able to breathe ‘normally’ for the first time in years! For those with progressive disease, this procedure does not limit future treatment options. Recovery From Balloon Sinuplasty While the recovery period varies for each person, most people are able to return to normal activities within 24 hours following Balloon Sinuplasty™. This makes it a good option for those with relatively minor sinus issues, who have busy schedules and wish to get back to their normal, daily lives as soon as possible. This procedure is also recommended for people who are adverse to surgery in general, or those with a history of complications with general anesthesia. Do Patients Have To Stay In The Hospital Overnight After The Balloon Sinuplasty™ Procedure? No, Balloon Sinuplasty™ is an outpatient procedure, which is usually done using local anesthesia, so you are not required to stay in the hospital overnight. Most patients are capable of driving themselves home within 15 to 30 minutes after undergoing the procedure, or shortly after the effects of the anesthesia wears off.

Video: Balloon Sinuplasty

Hearing Services

Welcome To Wake Ear, Nose And Throat Specialists Hearing Center Our focus is the unique needs of each of our patients. We are a small ENT practice offering you individualized care and attention. Patients who suspect they have a hearing loss are tested in our sound suite. Typically, a medical evaluation will also be performed to make sure there are no treatable conditions contributing to the hearing loss. Patients with hearing loss are seen for individual or family consultations to discuss their unique hearing needs and environments. Hearing aids are custom fit to each individual’s hearing test results as well as any unique lifestyle needs. For example, the type of aid needed by a kindergarten teacher, a business person who attends multiple conferences and meetings weekly, or a retired individual who spends most of his or her time at home will be different. Hearing Aid Services We offer the following Hearing Aid services: A variety of digital hearing aid technologies to fit your individual hearing needs and budget. A 30-day trial period to take home your new hearing aids and make sure they work in your real life. Your satisfaction is our number one priority. Hearing aid checks and cleanings to maintain your hearing aids and help you to maximize the benefits of your amplification. Minor in-office repairs to minimize the time you are without amplification. Assistive listening and communication devices for when hearing aids are not enough or for when you are not wearing your hearing aids at night. Examples of assistive devices include items to help you hear the phone/doorbell/alarm clock and for the telephone and television set. Dr. Polcari provides a private consultation with the patient and other family members or friends to help determine the individual’s hearing needs. The audiogram or hearing test is just part of the picture. Individuals with the same hearing loss report a wide variety of difficulty with hearing depending on their unique lifestyle, type of employment, and age. In general, the younger the individual with hearing loss, the more difficulty they will have with a lesser degree of hearing loss. Today’s amplification comes in a wide variety of sizes and technology. Patients who in the past were not considered to be amplification candidates may now have new technologies available to meet their hearing needs. Patients with mild hearing loss in the high frequencies used to be very difficult to fit. However, with today’s digital technology and open fittings, many of these patients are very happy with amplification. Individuals who suspect hearing loss should at the very least have a complete audiological evaluation. The audiologist and the physician can evaluate any medical or amplification needs. Even if you are not ready to pursue hearing aids it is important that you know if you have hearing loss, and the degree of that loss. If you have any concerns about your hearing or the hearing of someone you know, we encourage you to come in for an evaluation. Diagnostic Testing Wake ENT Specialists offers diagnostic hearing tests that are contiguous with specialized ENT evaluation and care. We also offer treatment for Tinnitus. Please make an appointment to see Dr. Polcari about your hearing issues. Call 919-851-5636 to make an appointment.