Dilation of sinuses, any method (e.g., balloon, etc.)

Sinus ostial dilation (e.g. balloon ostial dilation) is an appropriate therapeutic option for selected patients with sinusitis. This approach may be used alone to dilate a sinus  ostium (frontal, maxillary, or sphenoid) or in conjunction with other  instruments (eg, microdebrider, forceps).The final decision regarding  use of techniques or instrumentation for sinus surgery is the  responsibility of the attending surgeon.

Revised: December 6, 2010
Adopted: June 28, 2010

Guidelines are not a substitute for the experience and judgment of a physician and are developed to enhance the physicians' ability to practice evidence-based medicine.

Important Notice

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. and Foundation (AAO-HNS/F) Policy Statements are guidelines only. In no sense do they represent a standard of care. The applicability of an indicator for a procedure, and/or of the process or outcome criteria, must be determined by the responsible physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient. Adherence to these guidelines will not ensure successful treatment in every situation. The AAO-HNS emphasizes that these policies should not be deemed inclusive of all proper treatment decisions or methods of care, nor exclusive of other treatment decisions or methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results.