09 May 2012 Less invasive, less painful sinus surgery topic for free seminar May 22

Conway ear, nose and throat physicians and Conway Regional Health System have teamed up to offer the second 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 Tuesday, May 22, at 6 pm 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 somewhat more difficult recovery time that often accompanies the traditional, more invasive surgery.

“While not everyone is a candidate for balloon sinuplasty, it can provide a lot of relief without the pain and discomfort that accompanies traditional surgery,” says Ralph Marrero, MD, an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon who will give the presentation on May 22.

“I think it’s the best advance in sinus surgery since 2001,” said Doug Stroud, MD, ENT specialist. “It’s a much less invasive procedure and the patients experience less pain as they recover.” Dr. Stroud 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.

“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 Jeffrey Kirsch, MD.

Other physicians in Conway who are performing the procedure include Collie Shaw, MD, and Patrick Fraley, MD.

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 we made by going online at conwayregional.org. RSVPs are required as there are a limited number of seats available.