19 de janeiro de 2021 Author : Jorge Manuel Nascimento Balloon sinuplasty and balloon tuboplasty are surgical techniques that use inflatable balloons to treat obstructions of communication , respectively, between the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavities and Eustachian tube (communication between the nasopharynx and the middle ear). The use of inflatable balloons to perform dilation treatments is a well-known technique in other medical areas, for example in vascular surgery and cardiology. Balloon Sinuplasty The best-known application of balloon sinuplasty is the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis , commonly known only as chronic sinusitis. The balloons are used to dilate the channels and communication holes between the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity, that are obstructed. The access of the necessary instruments to the place to be treated is done through the nostrils. Under endoscopic control , a disposable balloon is then placed there, which is then inflated with high pressure saline. Dilating these communications, ventilation and drainage of secretions are promoted, and it has been proven that such dilation is maintained over time. Associated with balloon sinuplasty, other procedures can be performed, for example a septoplasty for the correction of deviated nasal septum (which can also be performed by nasal endoscopy). Balloon sinuplasty is a well-tolerated procedure with a fast recovery . It is less invasive than functional endoscopic sinus surgery and a comparable efficacy. It is performed on adults; In children, it can be performed for maxillary sinuses, as these have a development close to the definitive at 12 years of age. In most cases, at 7 years of age this development is already significant. Chronic sinusitis in children , associated with chronic adenoiditis, is a recognized factor for maintaining inflammation / infection of the upper airways, often associated with otitis media and persistent or fluctuating hearing loss. Thus, balloon sinuplasty is a technique to complement the most common myringotomy with or without the application of trans-tympanic ventilation tubes, with adenoidectomy. Balloon Tuboplasty Balloon tuboplasty is also performed through the nostrils and under endoscopic control . In this case, the balloon is placed and inflated inside the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube is the communication between the nasopharynx and the middle ear and its functions are to balance the pressure of the middle ear with atmospheric pressure and serve as a drainage channel for secretions from the middle ear to the outside. Usually the Eustachian tube is closed and opens when we yawn, swallow or chew. It is a frequent site of persistent disease, that interferes with its functions, and may cayse symptoms of deafness, tinnitus and the sensation of “clogged ears”. Balloon tuboplasty allows the treatment of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction, secretory otitis media, or can be performed as part of a tympanoplasty to be performed later, in which the normalization of its function is a basic condition for the success of this intervention. It can be performed from 18 years of age. Meet the otorhinolaryngology team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
