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The Surgical Options

Palatal Surgery for Sleep Apnea

Uvulopalatopharygoplasty (UPPP). Patients who cannot be treated adequately with CPAP or can’t use it and have failed other conservative measures will often have this procedure recommended to them. This is a surgical or laser procedure to remove part of the uvula (the small fleshy tissue hanging from the center of the back of the throat) and soft palate in an attempt to alleviate snoring and sleep-disordered breathing. Following surgery, a repeat sleep study is needed to determine whether the procedure reversed the sleep apnea.

Pillar Palatal Implant. This device is another option for sleep apnea, which reduces the fluttering of soft tissue responsible for snoring. Three polyester braids, each less than an inch long, are embedded in the back of the throat to stiffen the soft palate and reduce the vibration that causes snoring.

Here’s how the implant procedure works: The doctor numbs the area with a local anesthetic, and then embeds the inserts in the soft palate using a specially designed tool. Discomfort is minimal because tissue is not removed or damaged; most patients report a noticeable and lasting reduction in snoring.

Any surgical treatment for sleep apnea must address the anatomic problem areas. There may be one or several areas that compromise airflow and cause apnea. Surgical treatment can address the nose, palate, tongue, jaw, neck, obesity, or several of these areas at the same time.

CPAP

Oral Appliances

Lifestyle Modifications

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