CPAP MASK

As stated in the previous post, surgery should only be considered as an option for treatment of sleep apnea if there is a physical cause for your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or if more conservative treatment methods do not work.  Every individual is different and should take all risks and benefits into consideration.

MAXILLOMANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT (MMO)

In this surgery, both the lower and upper jaws are moved forward by cutting their bones.  As would be expected, general anesthesia is used and a hospital stay is necessary.

The jaw will then be wired shut and kept that way for about four weeks to hold it in place.  A liquid diet is required during these four weeks and weight loss can be expected.  When the wires are removed it may be noted that orthodontic work is necessary to realign the teeth.

This is an expensive surgery but results are often positive.  It seems to work the best for persons with a small jaw or one that is set too far back.

SOMNOPLASTY

In this procedure a probe is placed into airway tissue to deliver radio frequency energy waves.  These waves enlarge the airway by shrinking upper airway tissues.  Somnoplasty is beneficial in reducing snoring and may improve sleep apnea.  Talk with a sleep specialist to see if this is a procedure that might benefit you.

LASER MIDLINE GLOSSECTOMY (LMG) and LIGUALPLASTY

These surgeries enlarge the airway by removing a portion of the back half of the tongue.  They are rarely used.

TRACHEOSTOMY

A tracheostomy is very rarely used to treat sleep apnea. It would only be performed if sleep apnea was severe and all other options have failed.

A small opening is created surgically in the throat at the windpipe.  It is in a location that would bypass any areas of obstruction.  This will allow air to pass freely into and out of the lungs while you sleep.  The opening can be covered during the day and you can breathe and speak as you would normally.

This is only an overview of the many surgical options for snoring and sleep apnea.  Speak with a qualified sleep specialist if you would like more information.