Surgery for Sleep Apnea - Consider your Options

In this article we aim to cover albeit very briefly some of the surgical options associated with the condition of Sleep Apnea, most of which will only be appropriate in certain circumstances, but firstly to cover the condition itself......

Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder caused by certain obstructions in the breathing process in human beings. Many surgical measures are opted for sometimes for the treatment of this disorder. All sorts of surgical practices can in many instances provide some level of permanent relief from Sleep Apnea.

However No surgical method is effective in treating nervous system related Central Sleep Apnea. The physical hindrances that lead to sleep apnea conditions can be helped through various sleep apnea surgical procedures, and some are outlined below. It is however vital that sufferers seek proper medical advice and discuss all available options prior to embarking on any surgery or treatment.

· Uvulopalatopharygoplasty (UPPP)- this Sleep Apnea Surgery is done on the pharynx by removing the uvula (inner tongue) together with excessive tissue. This surgery is done in some instances for a person who feels uncomfortable with CPAP Machine. It is successful in fifty percent of the patients. This procedure is helpful for people who snore.

· Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)- Surgical treatment for the movement of lower jaw (mandible) and the upper jaw (maxilla) to the front.

· Tracheostomy- This Sleep Apnea Surgery is performed by making a small incision in the neck and inserting a small tube with valve on it. At night, the valve closes and in the morning it opens. During the night, the valve remains open to provide free passage of air. The person can speak when the valve is open.

· Somnoplasty: This is a Sleep Apnea Surgical procedure method done with the help of automated radio frequency. The treatment is carried out after giving a local anesthesia and is performed on the base of the tongue and the palette. This method is useful for people suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and in reducing snoring.

· Genioglossus Tongue Advancement- the surgery is appropriate to cure Sleep Apnea and snoring problems. The base of the tongue is pulled forward to increase the air passage. A small piece of bone with the muscle of tongue is fastened to the lower jaw. The muscle of the tongue- Genioglossus rests at the bottom allowing sufficient space for air passage.

· Hyoid Suspension- a Sleep Apnea surgery in which the hyoid bone of the neck is pulled forward and attached to the larynx. Local anesthesia is given for this surgery. The surgery provides enough room for the passage of the air.

· Laser Assisted Uvuloplasty (LAUP) - this method is applied on the uvula and the tissues around it. This surgery is also done under local anesthesia. It can be useful for curing Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring.

· Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy-in this surgery tonsils and adenoids are removed in order to increase the pathway of air.

· Nasal Surgery- It is a nasal surgery performed on the nasal septum in order to remove or reduce the nasal turbinate. This Surgery is suitable for patients with nasal disorders.

All these procedures and types of Surgery can be done for correcting different types of Obstructive Sleep Apnea disorders. Surgery is recommended only when other methods like the use of a sleep apnea mask fail to give complete rest during sleep.

Once again it is always recommended to seek the proper medical advice for the treatment that will be most beneficial for you and your condition.

Toby Russell and his site http://www.sleepapneainfoguide.com covers news, information and advice for sufferers of snoring and sleep apnea.

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