What is the difference between endoscopic sinus surgery and a balloon sinuplasty? (for chronic sinusitis)

Sinus Surgery: Balloon sinuplasty - minimally invasive technique, uses a small balloon inflated to widen blocked passages, generally has less bleeding and shorter recovery time. Endoscopic sinus surgery - uses a small camera to visually examined the sinuses. Tiny surgical instruments inserted to remove obstructive tissues, does not require any incision as the whole procedure is performed through the nostrils.

Sinus Surgery: Balloon sinuplasty - minimally invasive technique, uses a small balloon inflated to widen blocked passages, generally has less bleeding and shorter recovery time. Endoscopic sinus surgery - uses a small camera to visually examined the sinuses. Tiny surgical instruments inserted to remove obstructive tissues, does not require any incision as the whole procedure is performed through the nostrils.

Small difference : In balloon sinuplasty we just dilate the natural sinus openings with a balloon. There is no cutting or removal of tissue. In endoscopic sinus surgery we usually remove various blockages along the sinus openings and widen these openings so they do not block up. Balloon can really only be used in certain patients with mild chronic sinusitis, no polyps, no ethmoid sinus disease and no septal deviati.

Same except: Main difference is that the equipment used may differ. The balloon implies that you will be using a balloon catheter to open sinus passages.