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Surgical Sleep Apnea Treatment
The surgical treatment for sleep apnea is targeted to the upper airway structures responsible for causing obstruction during sleep. A detailed examination of the upper airway, including fiberoptic evaluation, is performed to identify nasal disorders, palate or uvular elongation, tonsil, adenoid or tongue enlargement, or tissue growths. A surgical plan is then developed after reviewing sleep study results. This plan may include one or more procedures performed at one operative setting or the procedures may be staged over time.
Surgical procedures for treating sleep apnea include:
- UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) - removing a portion of the uvula, soft palate and sidewall of the pharynx.
- Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy - the most common treatment for sleep apnea in children and young adults.
- Coblation® of the Tongue Base - Radiofrequency treatment of the tongue base to shrink it.
- Genioglossus Advancement/Hyoid Suspension - Advances the tongue musculature forward with permanent sutures.
Nasal surgery, like inferior turbinoplasty and septoplasty, does not in itself improve sleep apnea, but allows for improved compliance with other therapies like CPAP and oral appliances. Nasal surgery is also typically performed prior to or in conjunction with the surgical procedures to treat sleep apnea listed above.
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