Pros and Cons of Sleep Apnea Surgery
When should you consider surgery for Sleep Apnea?
If you have tried using CPAP to remedy your sleep apnea and you just absolutely can't stand the machine you may want to try a chin strap to hold your jaw open first.
Dental devices like those used to stop grinding and clenching have also been successful, but these mouth guards have been known to be extremely uncomfortable.
Surgery is considered a last resort when it comes to treating sleep apnea and it is by far the most dangerous short of leaving sleep apnea untreated.
Losing Weight Could Help Your Sleep Apnea
There are different surgical treatments for sleep apnea
Many different surgeries may be tried to improve the size or tone of the airway. For decades, tracheostomy was the only effective surgical treatment for sleep apnea. This procedure is only used today in extremely rare, stubborn cases that have defied other attempts at treatment.Modern treatments attempt one or more of several alternatives, tailored to your needs. Frequently the long term success rate is low, which is why many doctors prefer CPAP for treating sleep apnea. Below are possible procedures which may be used.
- Nasal procedures - including turbinectomy (removal or reduction of a nasal turbinate), or straightening of the nasal septum, in patients with nasal blockage or congestion which lessens airway pressure and complicates OSA.
- Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy in an attempt to increase the size of the airway.
- Removal or reduction of parts of the soft palate and some or all of the uvula, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty. Variations of this procedure sometimes use radio waves to heat and remove thetissue.
- Reduction of the tongue base, either with laser excision or radio frequency ablation.
- Genioglossus Advancement - where a small portion of the lower jaw is moved forward to pull the tongue away from the airway; keeping the airway from becoming blocked.
- Hyoid Suspension - where the hyoid bone in the neck, another attachment point for tongue muscles, is moved in front of the larynx.
- Maxillomandibular advancement - A more intrusive operation usually only attempted in stubborn cases where other surgeries haven't alleviated the OSA, or where an abnormal facial structure is believed to be the root cause.
In MMA, the upper and lower jaw are separated from the skull, moved forward, and reattached with pins and/or plates.
- Pillar procedure, three tiny inserts are inserted into the soft palate to offer support, reducing snoring and sleep apnea.
The type of surgery necessary for you will depend on the severity of your sleep apnea. Explore all the possibilities with your doctor." />
Here's my favorite link:
Have you had sleep apnea surgery? Would you do it again?
Feel free to comment even if you haven't had the surgery.
-
Reply
- davidstillwagon davidstillwagon May 6, 2009 @ 2:32 pm
- I like the way your lens is set up. The graphics and the interactive on calculating your weight loss potential is cool. I'll give it a 5
If you are looking for more information, please read my other lenses about sleep
-
10 Sleep Deprivation Facts and Symptoms
-
Getting enough sleep is extremely important. Sleep is how our body restores itself from a day of work, rushing the kids to soccer practice, and picking up the house once the day is done. A lack of consistent restorative sleep, day in and out, is dest...
-
Stop Snoring Naturally
-
Snoring could be sign of something else going on with your health, but even if it's not your sleep and your family's sleep can be at jeopardy. There are ways to stop snoring naturally if you are looking for a way to stay away from machines, masks and...
-
Sleep Apnea Treatments
-
Congratulations on taking the first step and being tested for sleep apnea. Now that you know why you are always tired, the next step is to take the necessary steps to get better and start living your life. Getting a doctor's advice is always recomme...
-
What Is Sleep Apnea
-
Sleep apnea may be keeping you from getting a good night's sleep. Even worse, sleep apnea may be keeping your spouse from getting the sleep that they need. We've gathered many of the common and even some uncommon symptoms of sleep apnea to help you...
by bcarter
Explore related pages
Sleep Apnea Treatments- Congratulations on taking the first step and being tested for sleep apnea. Now t...
What Is Sleep Apnea- Sleep apnea may be keeping you from getting a good night's sleep. Even worse, sl...
10 Sleep Deprivation Facts and Symptoms- Getting enough sleep is extremely important. Sleep is how our body restores itse...
