Balloon sinuplasty: our first year.

INTRODUCTION: Balloon sinuplasty is a new technology which has only recently been introduced in the UK. We review the current literature, and we present our first year's results for the technique together with a description of indications, outcomes and problems. METHODS: Retrospective case note review of 27 consecutive patients undergoing sinuplasty alone in the first year in which this procedure was performed. The main outcome measures used were subjective improvement and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) score. RESULTS: Dilatation was successful in 98 per cent of sinuses in which it was attempted; however, subjective improvement was noted in only 62 per cent of patients thus treated. CONCLUSION: We believe that balloon sinuplasty has a place in routine rhinology practice but that its applications are limited, and that its additional costs must be considered. We present advantages and possible limitations of the technique.