01 Nov 2011 Free seminar set on less painful sinus surgery

Conway Regional Health System and ear, nose and throat physicians have teamed up to offer the first of a planned series of free educational seminars on a less-invasive, less-painful sinus procedure to relieve chronic sinus pain.

The seminar will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Conway Regional Women’s Center and will include a complimentary meal. Couples are encouraged to attend.

Balloon Sinuplasty Technology is an endoscopic, catheter-based system for patients suffering from sinusitis. The FDA-cleared technology uses a small, flexible, sinus balloon catheter to open up blocked sinus passageways, restoring normal sinus drainage. When the sinus balloon is inflated, it gently restructures and widens the walls of the passageway while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining.

All five of Conway’s ear, nose and throat specialists are performing the procedure at Conway Regional, citing the relief it gives patients without the difficult and painful recovery time that often accompanies the traditional, more invasive surgery.

“While not everyone is a candidate for balloon sinuplasty, it can provide a tremendous amount of relief without the pain and discomfort that accompanies traditional surgery. I believe it’s a win-win for our patients,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kirsch, an ENT surgeon who will give the first presentation on Thursday.

“This Sinuplasty procedure allows safer, easier and less painful management of disease in the frontal sinuses (those in the forehead region). The technique is less traumatic for the other sinuses as well,” said Dr. Collie Shaw.

“I think it’s the best advance in sinus surgery since 2001,” said Dr. Doug Stroud, an ENT specialist. “It’s a much less invasive procedure and the patients experience less pain as they recover.” He added that he is impressed with the reduction in sinus pain and pressure after the procedure and that very few patients have required follow up procedures after balloon sinuplasty.

Other physicians in Conway who are performing the procedure include Dr. Patrick Fraley and Dr. Ralph Marrero.

The seminar is designed to provide chronic sinus sufferers with education about this relatively new procedure. Some of the symptoms of chronic sinus problems include:

• Facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness
  
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Discharge of yellow or green mucus from the nose
  
• Teeth pain
  
• Loss of the sense of smell or taste
  
• Headache
  
• Fatigue
  
• Sore throat

Anyone who is experiencing these issues and would like to learn more about balloon sinuplasty can call 501.513.5732 to register for the seminar. Reservations can also be made by going online at conwayregional.org. RSVPs are required as there are a limited number of seats available.