Hope for Sinus Sufferers
(Transcript from WRAL - Channel 11)

(11/07/05 - CARY) - A new surgery now being performed in the Triangle is giving sinus sufferers some much needed relief.

David Mbuangi can spend quality time with his kids now that he's pain free. He has spent the past 15 years battling terrible headaches and could only breathe out of one side of his nose. "Basically I spent the last 10 to 15 years in pain. I was not able to focus the way I used to."
Dave had chronic sinusitis and went to see Dr. Jared Spector at Mann Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic for help. "In general, it's like a lot of facial congestion and discomfort you know, pain that goes down into the teeth even."

Dr. Spector scheduled Dave for surgery at WakeMed Cary which is using new technology called the Brainlab Imaging Guidance System.

Patients must first undergo a CT scan. Doctors can then review a 3D model of the patient's nasal and sinus anatomy prior to surgery. They use the same images to view and track their instruments during the procedure. "You place the instrument inside the nose and through some infrared technology or wireless technology, it will show on a separate screen exactly where the tip of the instrument is on 3 different views of the patients CT scan."

Allowing for a more precise surgery, operating on the sinuses can be tricky because they're so close to the eyes, brain and major arteries.

Dr. Spector was able to remove Dave's sinus polyps, and give him his life back. "To be able to breathe... full nose... both sides. I couldn't ask for anything better than this."

Dave says he's no longer taking any medication and feels great. He says he was told by his doctor there is always the possibility that he may need additional procedures, but if things continue to go well, that won't be necessary.

Dr. Spector was interviewed by the local ABC News Team in Raleigh regarding the latest technological advancements in treating people with chronic sinus problems. The transcript of the story appears to the left on this page. The story, as originally aired on ABC News, may be viewed by clicking on one of the pictures below.

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