"To date, conservatively, I have personally performed over 2,000 in-office balloon sinuplasties," Gergits said. "If you also figure that in any given case, I could treat anywhere from one to six sinuses per case, that number increases dramatically. Our overall success rate is 70%+ overall improvement. These improvements continue to this very day."
"Technology enhances each of our everyday lives. With every new discovery or advancement, options are created allowing patients and healthcare providers choices for treatment of varying degrees of problems. Hopefully, these last few blogs, as well as future communications, will allow the reader my observations of this."
In a blog post, Gergits explained that prior to balloon sinuplasties, patients suffering from sinusitis had to undergo invasive and often painful surgery to correct their sinus problems, which could include scar formation, delayed healing, added pain and potential severe bleeding. Now, ENT physicians can perform this in-office procedure that doesn't require general anesthesia or X-rays.
Gergits said the procedure averages only 63 minutes. Any pain following the procedure can be controlled by Tylenol or Motrin as needed, and a saline mist is recommended for a few days afterward to minimize scabbing. An antibiotic or steroid is also often prescribed to help speed the recovery.
According to Entellus Medical, the balloon sinuplasty procedure consists of a thin instrument with a balloon being guided through your sinus. The balloon is gently inflated for five seconds with saline, and when your sinuses open, the balloon is removed.
Chronic sinusitis is one of the most common chronic medical conditions among Americans. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), it can have a negative effect on one's quality of life. The NCBI conducted a study comparing patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) with patients who opted for a balloon sinuplasty to treat chronic sinusitis and found that although both procedures are effective, balloon sinuplasty patients needed less antibiotic treatment after their procedures. FESS involves removing sinus tissue, while balloon sinuplasties are less traumatic, since they don't include removing any tissue and instead rely on dilation to improve sinus function. Patients also have a significantly shorter recovery time, and most can even be back to work the following day.
Gergits is a board-certified ENT specialist who centers his practice around compassionate care. He earned his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from West Virginia University before earning a master's degree in Biochemistry from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Gergits then went on to earn his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
He is excited to offer the latest-innovative solutions to his patients, including balloon sinuplasty.
Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center offers a variety of testing and treatment options for patients suffering from allergies, sinus or ear infections, deviated septums, sleep apnea, sinusitis and headaches. The practice is located on East Princess Drive in Scottsdale.
To find out if you might be an ideal candidate for a balloon sinuplasty, take this sinus self-assessment quiz.
