Balloon Sinuplasty in Pediatric Rhinosinusitis

Abstract

Balloon catheter dilation (BCD) is increasingly utilized as an adjunct to adenoidectomy or functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the surgical management of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The goal of this review is to analyze existing evidence for the efficacy of BCD in treating pediatric CRS. We also assess expanded indications of BCD such as acute complications of sinusitis or surgery for critically ill patients. Pearls and pitfalls of the technique are discussed. BCD shows potential as an effective adjuvant procedure in addition to adenoidectomy and as a stand-alone procedure. Multiple studies have shown its safety; however, studies on efficacy have been limited by lack of randomized control. BCD is safe and an important addition to the surgical treatment of selected pediatric CRS. Further randomized controlled studies are necessary to clearly define the efficacy of BCD as an adjuvant or stand-alone procedure in the management of pediatric CRS and to investigate expanded indications.