Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S., affecting 37 million Americans each year. Patients suffer headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms.  This condition significantly impacts an individual’s physical, functional, and emotional quality of life.

Until recently, sinusitis patients were limited to two treatment options:  medical therapy such as antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, or conventional sinus surgery such as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS).  Medical therapy can help alleviate symptoms for 75-80 percent of patients but is inadequate for the rest.  For them, sinus surgery is often the best option. However, FESS is a conventional surgery that requires bone and tissue removal in order to open up blocked sinus passageways.

Now, there is an evolution in endoscopic sinus surgery with the Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology.  A small, flexible balloon catheter is placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway.  The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function. 

“The Balloon Sinuplasty devices are a true evolutionary advancement for ENT surgeons around the world.  With these devices, a successful surgery can occur without removing any tissue or bone,” said

Dr. Alex Stewart, an Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat or ENT) physician for Naval Health Clinic Charleston who performs surgeries at Trident Surgery Center.  “That means potentially faster recovery times and less post-procedure discomfort.  When selectively performed alone, many patients feel ready to return to normal activities within 24-48 hours and have significant improvement in their symptoms.  Many patients still require at least limited FESS following the balloon sinuplasty surgery.”  

The Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology has undergone rigorous clinical validation, and studies have shown treatment using the devices to be safe and effective in relieving symptoms of sinusitis.  The latest study, CLEAR, an international, multi-center evaluation reported 24-week results on 109 patients which demonstrated:

•    98 percent observed open sinus rate   

•    0 percent device-related adverse event rate

•    Clinically and statistically significant patient symptomatic improvement

“We are very excited that Dr. Stewart is offering this procedure,” said Captain Celia H. Horton, commanding officer, Naval Health Clinic Charleston.  “We believe in providing TRICARE eligible beneficiaries with world-class healthcare, and that means using state-of-the-art medical technology.”

TRICARE eligible beneficiaries suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis now have a new, less invasive option – right here in Charleston.  Interested patients should seek consultation from an ENT physician to see if they are a candidate for a procedure utilizing the balloon sinuplasty device.  TRICARE eligible beneficiaries should receive a referral from their PCM.   For questions regarding balloon sinuplasy, contact Margaret Chappell at Trident Surgery Center, 797.4072. Sinusitis patients who are considering their options can also learn more about Balloon Sinuplasty™ at www.balloonsinuplasty.com.

Trident Health System is an HCA hospital system comprised of three acute care hospitals – Trident Medical Center, Summerville Medical Center and Colleton Medical Center – as well as Moncks Corner Medical Center and diagnostic centers throughout Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester counties. For more information, please visit our website at www.tridenthealthsystem.com or call 843.797.7000.

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