Sleep apnea surgery is one of the many ways of treating the condition. The effectiveness of any surgery varies from every individual. Otolaryngologists as well as oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the physicians who perform the surgery procedures. Because obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type, I will share to you several types of procedures of the surgery.
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty – Adults with sleep apnea often prefer this type of surgery. The uvula is shortened or removed to enlarge the airways as well as part of the soft palate. Likewise, the adenoids and tonsils are also removed.
- Tonsilectomy – This procedure oftentimes is the first treatment option for children. The enlarged adenoids or tonsils are removed as it is usually the cause of sleep apnea in children.
- Tracheotomy – This is the most effective sleep apnea surgery for serious apnea sufferers who have failed in other treatments. The procedure creates a hole in the trachea and the air lets in the hole through a tube. However, it is important to clean the site around the tube to prevent from infection.
- Septoplasty – this is a procedure wherein a crooked septum is straightens.
- Maxillomandibular osteotomy – This sleep apnea surgery helps enlarge the airway by moving the jaw forward to prevent the tongue from falling backward. This procedure is done for several hours but of high success rates. The recovery period is significant in such a way that potential complications maybe avoided.
- Radio frequency ablation – This is one of the latest surgeries duly approved by the Food and Drugs Administration wherein it shrinks the size of the palate or the tongue.
- Repose – This tongue suspension procedure is different from the other surgery. A small screw is inserted into the lower jawbone to prevent the tongue from falling. However, there are no studies made in the long-term success of the procedure.
- Lingalplasty and laser midline glossectomy are types of surgery for sleep apnea that take out a part of the tongue.
No matter what kind of surgery or procedure you may choose it always best to consult first your physician for proper referral. Sleep apnea surgery should be done by licensed surgeon to be sure that your life is in the good hands.