When he consulted Samuel Becker, MD, (pictured left) a member of the Medical Staff at University Medical Center of Princeton, and a nationally known expert on the management of nasal and sinus disease, Belletier learned of a minimally invasive procedure that could alleviate his symptoms.
“From the moment I met Dr. Becker, he made me feel relaxed and confident that I had made the right decision to have the surgery,” says Belletier. “I could not be any happier with the process as it all went according to plan. As soon as I woke up from the surgery, I could breathe through my nose, and within days I felt fantastic. Today my quality of life is so much better.”
A Common, Treatable Condition
Over 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sinusitis, which interferes with the drainage of nasal and sinus passages and leads to mucus build up and impaired breathing. The condition has multiple sources, including allergies and infection, as well as anatomic problems such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum.
“The key to helping patients with sinusitis is identifying and treating the source of their nasal and sinus blockage,” says Dr. Becker, who is board certified in otolaryngology. “With all of the new diagnostic resources now available, we can usually identify abnormalities within a fairly short period of time.”
If sinusitis is caused by an infection or allergies, the underlying conditions are treated and the symptoms can be reduced or eliminated. But if the problem involves polyps, blocked sinuses, or a deviated septum, surgery to open passages or remove polyps can help. “Today’s surgical procedures are minimally invasive and are usually done on an outpatient basis,” says Dr. Becker.
Easier Recovery
Recovery time for minimally invasive sinus procedures is typically short, and the discomfort is minor. In addition, patients like Belletier, who have significant nasal polyps, benefit from new technological breakthroughs such as an absorbable implant that delivers anti-inflammatory medicines directly into the sinus cavities while they heal after surgery.
“We are very fortunate to have a state-of-the- art outpatient facility at UMCP. Cutting-edge technology, highly trained nurses and support staff, and a dedicated administration have created an environment where we can deliver world-class nasal and sinus care. Patients fdo well here,” says Dr. Becker.