NE Valley Times

Dr. Franklyn Gergits of Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center of North Scottsdale explains that technological advancements have led physicians to perform balloon sinuplasty procedures, which help sinus patients recover quickly and painlessly from their symptoms.

"To date, conservatively, I have personally performed over 2,000 in-office balloon sinuplasties," Gergits told NE Valley Times.

Gergits said that he was the first physician to perform balloon sinuplasty procedures in Pennsylvania in 2006, which represented a technological advancement "that no one initially felt would ever be possible." Before balloon sinuplasties, he said, chronic sinusitis sufferers had to undergo invasive, painful surgery to correct their problems, which could include "scar formation, delayed healing, added pain and potential severe bleeding."

Dr. Franklyn Gergits | Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center

Gergits added that now physicians can perform in-office balloon sinuplasties that don't require general anesthesia or X-rays, and patients experience an improvement in symptoms, including facial pain, sinus drainage, coughing, sore throats and the ability to breathe freely.

"Technology enhances each of our everyday lives," he said. "With every new discovery or advancement, options are created allowing patients and health care provider choices for treatment of varying degrees of problems. Hopefully with the continued modifications, we can successfully treat complicated sinus infections, helping our patients return to their normal activities in a quick, pain-free recovery, leaving all those bothersome sinus complaints in the rearview mirror."

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), chronic sinusitis is one of the most common chronic medical conditions among Americans, often having a negative effect on one's quality of life. An NCBI study compared patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) with those who chose balloon sinuplasty. The research found that, although both procedures are effective, balloon sinuplasty patients needed fewer antibiotic treatments 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, according to NCBI.

A typical balloon sinuplasty lasts 10 to 15 minutes, and patients often recover within one to two days. According to Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center, patients often resume their normal activities within that time, although they may experience swelling for up to a week. By contrast, FESS procedures take one and a half to two hours, and patients might need up to four weeks to fully recover, during which time they are advised to avoid strenuous activities such as exercise.

Gergits is a board-certified ear, nose and throat specialist who centers his practice around compassionate care. He earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from West Virginia University before earning his Master of Science in biochemistry from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Gergits earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

"He is excited to offer the latest, innovative solutions to his patients, and he was the first physician in Pennsylvania to perform balloon sinuplasty procedures for chronic sinusitis sufferers," the clinic's website said.

Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center offers several testing and treatment options for patients with allergy or sinus symptoms, ear infections, deviated septums, sleep apnea, sinusitis and headaches. The office is located on East Princess Drive in Scottsdale.

To learn more about the symptoms of allergies and sinus infections, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.