[Catheter-based balloon dilatation of the frontal, maxillary, and sphenoid ostia: a new procedure in sinus surgery].

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sinus surgery is the procedure of choice for treating chronic rhinosinusitis. This paper describes a new minimally invasive method to restore ostium patency without removing tissue: the balloon sinuplasty technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two patients were treated with the new procedure. One patient had her maxillary and sphenoid ostia dilated; the other patient had both frontal ostia, both maxillary ostia, and the right sphenoid ostia dilated.

RESULTS: The balloon dilatations of the ostia were achieved successfully without impairing the mucosal circumference. There was no bleeding, and nasal packing was not necessary. The postoperative healing process showed no complications.

CONCLUSION: This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages as well as the indications and contraindications of this method. The balloon sinuplasty technique is an easily performed surgery; for selected indications, it seems especially suited for opening blocked ostia.