Sleep apnea surgery occurs when parts of the upper airway close up during sleep. This causes choking or gasping at night, snoring, and daytime sleepiness and can lead to high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and strokes. The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person and can be complicated to diagnose. People who do not respond well to non-invasive treatments like CPAP or oral devices may be recommended for surgery.
Surgical therapies for OSA target specific sites of obstruction to improve airway patency. This includes the pharynx, tonsils, palate and tongue. These surgeries also target the genioglossus muscle which controls the tongue during swallowing and speech. Tongue procedures include palatal reduction and suspension [37, 38]. A study has shown that all tongue surgeries improve symptoms of snoring and OSA as measured by AHI and oxygen saturation levels in the morning.
Sleep Apnea Surgery: When It’s Necessary and What to Expect
A patient’s specific anatomy will determine which type of surgery is best for them. The cost can also vary depending on the surgeon’s fee and location. Insurance coverage also plays a role in out-of-pocket costs including preoperative consultations, sleep studies and post-surgical follow-up appointments.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or UPPP involves removing the adenoids and tonsils to open the airway. This procedure is often recommended for children because their adenoids and tonsils are small and may not cause obstructions during sleep. Another option is lingual frenectomy, which removes excess tissue from the back of the tongue. This can decrease snoring but may not significantly impact sleep apnea. Finally, maxillomandibular advancement moves the upper and lower jaw forward to create more space for the airway.…