If you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), then sleep apnea surgery might be the perfect solution for you. It is a specialized treatment that can help you get relief when non-surgical methods fail you. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy won’t work to alleviate symptoms of OSA if there is a structural issue in the airway. So, you have to choose sleep apnea surgery to gain a complete cure. Here, we will discuss why you must consider sleep apnea surgery.
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
This surgery changes the shape of the soft palate, uvula, and throat tissues to make enough space for the airway. It is a common procedure to cure sleep apnea. However, the effectiveness of the surgery varies from person to person, and other treatments are also prescribed to establish a successful outcome.
- Tongue Reduction and Genioglossus Advancement
If the tongue’s position is obstructing airflow, tongue reduction surgery is recommended. This helps prevent the tongue from collapsing backward while you are asleep. Meanwhile, with Genioglossus advancement, the main tongue muscle is repositioned, keeping the airway open.
- Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation (HNS)
HNS is a relatively new approach involving implanting a device to control tongue movements by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve. When you start breathing, the device activates and keeps the airway clear.
- Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
The MMA procedure moves the upper and lower jaw forward, creating airway space. The ENT specialist recommends this method in cases where jaw structure contributes to apnea. It is highly effective but involves an extensive recovery period. Browse https://drkhliment.com.sg/sleep-apnea-singapore-treatment-surgery to know more about the surgery.
- Nasal Surgeries
If you suffer from nasal obstructions and are unable to align with CPAP, surgeries are recommended, including septoplasty or turbinate reduction. Thus, after the surgery, the patient becomes tolerant of CPAP and other similar treatments as the airflow improves.
Who is a Candidate for Sleep Apnea Surgery?
- If CPAP or other non-surgical treatments have failed to relieve you, sleep apnea surgery is meant for you.
- If you are experiencing structural issues within the throat or nasal passages, which continuously create a blockage, then this surgery is recommended.
- If you want to go through a quick recovery and accept the outcomes associated with surgery, then you can opt for the surgery.
Weighing the Benefits and Risks
Sleep apnea surgery can relieve the problem by improving airflow and reducing interrupted breathing. However, surgical outcomes tend to vary, and some procedures may not be able to resolve the problem permanently. Thus, it is necessary to minimize the chances of risk by checking for infection, changes in voice, or difficulty swallowing.
Final Words
When it comes to opting for surgery, you must either consult with a sleep apnea specialist or ENT doctor. They will help you go through a thorough evaluation involving imaging and other tests. By understanding the airway’s anatomy and pinpointing the specific areas that are causing obstruction, they can provide a successful result. However, before the surgery, the sleep apnea doctor should also consider lifestyle factors, previous health conditions, and sleep study results.
