What is Involved in a Propel Sinus Implant?
Do you suffer from chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps? Have you tried different medications and even undergone surgical procedures with little success? If so, you may be the perfect candidate for a propel sinus implant.
What Is a Propel Sinus Implant?
The propel device is used in conjunction with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), which is performed to widen sinus passages. For patients with chronic sinusitis, sinus passages become inflamed, preventing normal drainage. Occasionally, surgery doesn’t widen the sinuses enough and complications like scarring, new polyp growth, or infection from non-absorbable stents lead to continued discomfort.
That’s where propel comes in. At the end of FESS surgery, the surgeon inserts the sinus implant, which is a spring-like device that ensures the sinuses remain open. The implant also releases a low, steady dose of mometasone furoate (the active ingredient in Nasonex) to promote healing and limit scaring and polyp regrowth. The implant steadily dissolves over the course of a month.
When Is the Propel Sinus Implant Recommended?
If conservative treatments haven’t provided relief of your chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps, you may be the perfect candidate for the propel sinus implant. The implant is recommended if you suffer from one or more of these conditions:
- Chronic sinusitis lasting more than four months
- Little to no relief from conservative medications and therapies
- Four or more acute sinusitis cases during one year
- History of nasal polyps
What Is Involved When Getting the Propel Sinus Implant?
FESS surgery is usually performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. The propel sinus implant is put into position at the end of the surgical procedure. During a typical FESS procedure, you’ll undergo general anesthesia so that you won’t be awake during the operation.
During sedation, your surgeon will insert an endoscope (a small tube with an attached camera) into the nostril to visualize the inflamed nasal tissue or polyps. The doctor will then perform any necessary tissue removal or repositioning with precision surgical instruments inserted into the nostrils.
After FESS is completed, the surgeon will insert the propel implant at the surgical site where it will keep the affected sinus tissue open and release the medication necessary for healing.
What Happens After FESS Surgery?
In most cases, patients go home on the same day as surgery and can begin their normal routine in about a week. During the recovery process, you’ll feel some swelling, minor pain, and stuffiness for the first week.
It’s important to use a saline spray to keep the affected area moist, which helps the sinus implant absorb as expected. Toward the end of the recovery process, most patients enjoy substantial improvement in their breathing and report an overall reduction of sinusitis symptoms.
Why Should I Consider Getting a Propel Sinus Implant?
Propel sinus implants offer great advantages when used in conjunction with FESS surgery. Benefits include:
- Maintaining widened sinus passages made during surgery
- Reducing scarring and inflammation after surgery
- Improving the overall success rate of FESS surgery
- Reducing the chances for additional sinus surgery
- Lessening the need for steroids or other sinus medications in the future
Why Choose Lakeside Allergy ENT for Propel Sinus Implants?
At Lakeside Allergy ENT, we have three board-certified otolaryngologists on staff trained in the use of propel sinus implants in conjunction with FESS surgery. Our physicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all ear, nose, and throat conditions including sinus disorders requiring surgery. If you’re interested in finding out more about how you could benefit from a propel sinus implant, make an appointment or call us today at 972-771-5443.
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