Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tongue or soft tissue of the palate partially or fully block your ability to breath at night when you are asleep. The severity of the obstruction will often dictate what kind of procedure is used to correct it. A board-certified otolaryngology surgeon, with extensive knowledge and experience in treating sinus, tonsil, and other airway-related conditions, Dr. David Volpi is a leading expert in ear, nose, and throat diagnosis and treatments.
The clinical care team at eos sleep is committed to providing personalized patient care, which offers the least invasive treatment options to promote your health and wellbeing. However, when less-invasive treatments no longer work or your health or quality of life are compromised, surgery may be recommended. There are four surgeries that may be recommended depending on the cause of your obstruction:
Genioglossus Advancement or Tongue Advancement
This surgery permanently repositions the tongue further forward in the mouth by anchoring the tongue to the lower jaw so that it does not fall back and obstruct breathing. It is often done in conjunction with other procedures, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or maxillomandibular advancement surgery to treat more severe cases of sleep apnea.
Hyoid Suspension Surgery
Hyoid suspension surgery is a procedure in which the base of the tongue and other soft tissues around the throat are pulled forward and anchoring the neck’s hyoid bone to the thyroid cartilage. This expands and stabilizes the airway.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
A uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a procedure in which the uvula and surrounding soft tissue of the palate and throat are removed. The procedure removes obstructions and enlarges the airway, improving breathing. While it is a surgery performed under general anesthesia, it is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour.
Tonsillectomy
While there are other reasons for having a tonsillectomy, it is sometimes a recommended procedure for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Larger tonsils can occlude the airway, especially during sleep when the throat is relaxed. Removing them can be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
If you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea and have already tried CPAP, dental appliances, and other non-invasive treatments with no success, you may benefit from surgery to correct your obstructive sleep apnea. The first step is to consult with an ear, nose, and throat expert. Specialists at eos sleep have extensive experience in treating sleep apnea. Call 1-212-873-6036 today or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment or to learn more about eos sleep treatment options.