Balloon Sinuplasty in Singapore

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that opens blocked sinus pathways.

The procedure utilises a small, flexible balloon catheter to dilate the sinus openings and restore normal sinus drainage, providing relief from chronic sinusitis symptoms without removing bone or tissue.

Dr Gan Eng Cern

Ear, nose and throat specialist

MBBS

MRCS (Edin)

mmed (orl)

FAMS

Benefits Preparation Procedure Recovery Risks FAQ

Indications for Surgery

The following conditions and symptoms may indicate that balloon sinuplasty could be an appropriate treatment option.

Chronic Sinusitis: The presence of sinus inflammation lasting more than 12 weeks, despite medical therapy.
Recurrent Acute Sinusitis: Four or more episodes of acute sinusitis within one year.
Nasal Congestion: Persistent blockage of nasal passages affecting breathing and sleep quality.
Facial Pain and Pressure: Ongoing discomfort in the forehead, around the eyes, or in the cheeks due to sinus blockage.

Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty offers several advantages compared to traditional sinus surgery techniques. These include:

Tissue Preservation: The procedure maintains the natural structure of the sinuses by dilating rather than removing tissue.
Reduced Recovery Time: Most patients return to normal activities within 24-48 hours after the procedure.
Local Anaesthesia Option: The procedure can often be performed under local anaesthesia in an outpatient setting.
Minimal Bleeding: The balloon dilation technique results in less trauma to surrounding tissues.

Dr. Gan explaining human nasal anatomy model

Preparing for Surgery

Medical Evaluation: A CT scan of the sinuses determines the extent of inflammation and confirms anatomical suitability for the procedure, with these evaluations conducted at our dedicated clinic. Blood tests assess overall health status and identify any underlying conditions that may affect surgery.
Medication Adjustments: Blood-thinning medications should be stopped 7-10 days before surgery. Patients should provide a complete list of current medications for review and adjustment as needed.
Pre-operative Guidelines: Patients should avoid eating or drinking for 6 hours before the procedure if general anaesthesia is planned. Smoking cessation is advised for at least two weeks prior to improve healing outcomes.

Step-By-Step Procedure

Anaesthesia Administration

Local or general anaesthesia is administered based on patient needs and surgical planning. The nasal passages are prepared with a decongestant solution to reduce bleeding.

Guide Wire Placement

A flexible guide wire is inserted into the blocked sinus under endoscopic visualisation. X-ray imaging may be used to confirm proper positioning within the target sinus.

Balloon Dilation

The balloon catheter is advanced over the guide wire and positioned within the blocked sinus opening. The balloon is gradually inflated to dilate the passage and remodel the bone structure.

Final Assessment

The balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the sinus pathway open. The procedure is repeated for additional blocked sinuses as needed.

Post-Surgical Care and Recovery

Immediate Care: Patients remain under observation for 1-2 hours post-procedure. Minor bleeding and drainage are normal. Nasal packing is rarely required.
Recovery Process: Light activities can resume within 24 hours. Nasal irrigation with saline solution begins the day after surgery to promote healing and prevent infection.
Follow-up Care: The first ENT doctor follow-up appointment occurs within one week to assess healing. Additional visits may be scheduled at 3 and 6 months to monitor long-term outcomes.

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Potential Risks and Complications

While balloon sinuplasty is generally safe, possible complications include bleeding, infection, or injury to surrounding structures. Some patients may experience temporary numbness or altered sensation in the teeth or upper lip. In rare cases, issues affecting the eyes may occur.

For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents

Medisave & Insurance Shield Plan approved

Your ENT procedure may be eligible for Medisave claims, with the claimable amount varying based on the procedure’s complexity. For additional options, including the use of your insurance or Integrated Shield Plan, reach out to our friendly clinic staff today for assistance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does a balloon sinuplasty procedure take?

The procedure generally lasts 30 minutes to an hour. The exact duration depends on the number of sinuses being treated and the complexity of the blockages. This timing also includes preparation and ensuring proper positioning of the instruments.

Can balloon sinuplasty address snoring or sleep apnoea?

Balloon sinuplasty is designed to improve nasal airflow by clearing sinus blockages. While it is not a direct treatment for snoring or sleep apnoea, it can reduce symptoms related to nasal congestion, which may alleviate breathing difficulties during sleep in some cases.

What lifestyle changes can enhance the procedure’s outcomes?

Healthy habits can aid healing and prolong results. Quitting smoking promotes tissue recovery, saline nasal rinses keep sinuses clear, managing allergies reduces inflammation, and avoiding irritants like dust and chemicals supports overall sinus health.

Dr Gan Eng Cern

Ear, nose and throat specialist

MBBS

MRCS (Edin)

mmed (orl)

FAMS

With over 15 years of experience, Dr Gan specialises in the comprehensive management of a broad range of conditions related to the ear, nose and throat (ENT), and head and neck.

Dr. Gan has contributed to the academic field as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. He is recognised for his extensive research work, with numerous contributions to reputable international ENT journals. Dr Gan is also highly sought after as a speaker and has shared his surgical knowledge as a surgical dissection teacher at various prominent ENT conferences and courses.

2020 – Reader’s Choice Gold Award for Best ENT Specialist (Expat Living Singapore)
2016 – Best Educator Award (Eastern Health Alliance)
2016 – “Wow” Award (Patient Compliment)

2014 – Eastern Health Alliance Caring Award – Silver
2014 – 19th Yahya Cohen Memorial Lectureship (awarded by the College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine Singapore for best scientific surgical paper)
2012 – Human Manpower Development Award (Ministry of Health, Singapore)
2007 – Singhealth Best Doctor Award

Qualifications

MBBS – Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia)
MRCS (Edin) – Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, United Kingdom
MMed (ORL) – Master of Medicine in ENT (National University of Singapore)
FAMS – Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Singapore

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A Specialist Clinic for Sinus, Snoring & ENT

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Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
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