The procedures are done in-office

Staff report

WARREN — The Lippy Group: Ear, Nose and Throat has added two specialty procedures to its practice: balloon sinuplasty and cochlear implant surgery.

The Lippy Group, founded by Dr. William Lippy, internationally recognized expert in microsurgery for hearing restoration, is at NorthMar Center II, 3893 E. Market St., Warren.

Partners in the practice for more than 10 years, Drs. Tonia L. Farmer and Leonard Berenholz, will perform the procedures.

Dr. Farmer performs the in-office balloon sinuplasty procedures by using a small, flexible balloon catheter to open up blocked sinus passageways, which facilitates drainage of mucous that builds up in patients suffering from chronic sinusitis.

Unlike traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty requires no cutting or removal of bone and tissue, Dr. Farmer said.

Recently published clinical data in a leading ear, nose and throat professional journal indicates that balloon sinuplasty is safe and effective. Patients experienced no adverse events and received statistically and clinically significant improvement in their symptoms, according to the journal.

“It is less invasive; the procedure is done in the office, and patients have less swelling and pain, enabling them to have a quicker return to their regular activities.” said Dr. Farmer, who is an ear, nose and throat medical specialist.

Dr. Berenholz has reintroduced cochlear implants, which previously were done by Dr. Frank Rizer, who died in 2003.

Cochlear-implant surgery is performed on totally deaf patients or those who are extremely hard of hearing.

Dr. Berenholz, who trained with Dr. Rizer, has resumed the cochlear-implant surgeries that also can be done at the Lippy Surgery Center.

“It’s important to operate on these patients as close to home as possible because there is a good deal of follow-up for the patients post operatively. There is no reason to travel to either Pittsburgh or Cleveland when we can do these locally,” Dr. Berenholz said.