Snoring surgery is often recommended for people who snore excessively when they sleep. Some people are comfortable with slight snoring problems but when this becomes severe, the problem can lead to sleepless nights for the sufferer and their partners. Obstructions in the nasal passages that result to snoring can also cause problems with breathing and speech. Although snoring surgery promises a high rate of success this option is often advised for people who have tried non-surgical treatments in the past with no relief.
Also known as palatal surgery, before snoring surgery is done it is important to determine if the problem truly originates from the palate and not from the base of the tongue. This is done using an optical examination device that is inserted through the nasal passages and throat and other imaging studies. Using these devices the surgeon can examine for obstructions in the palate and the tongue. The examination can be done with the patient either awake or asleep. Nasal abnormalities should also be repaired before snoring surgery is considered. The goal of snoring surgery is to reduce the incidence of snoring by removing the obstruction in the nasal passages, especially those caused by abnormal sizes and shapes of uvula, soft palate, nasal cartilage, tonsils and the muscles around the throat.
In some cases snoring can indicate the presence of obstructive diseases such as sleep apnea. Examination is needed to determine if such diseases are present so they can be treated as well. The patient is given a sedative prior to the examination. Other preparations for snoring surgery include a complete physical examination, EKG, blood examinations and a preop interview to determine a person’s fitness for the surgery, especially for the use of general anesthesia. The most common type of snoring surgery is called Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty or LAUP. In this procedure the surgeon uses a laser to cut the excess portions of the uvula. This procedure can be done multiple times to cut all excess parts of the uvula until the obstruction is removed. Other surgeries used to remove obstructions also involve the partial or complete removal of the uvula.
Risks Associated with Snoring Surgery
Although snoring surgery is relatively simple, the risks should be taken in consideration. Common risks associated with this kind of surgery include severe pain occurring a few hours post-operative, worsening of the sleep apnea, risk of nasal regurgitation, dehydration, risk for bleeding, change in the voice quality and the recurrence of snoring. There’s also the risk of infection and adverse reactions to the anesthesia. After surgery, patients are given medications for pain and discomfort especially when swallowing. Because this is a local surgery patients are often allowed to return to work on the same day.
Snoring surgery can eliminate excessive snoring and elevate the quality of life of sufferers. The examination done in preparation for snoring surgery can also help determine the presence of more serious breathing abnormalities that may need immediate medical attention. Snoring surgery also helps remove nasal obstructions and help improve breathing and speech.
