Sleep apnea surgery is a treatment option for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) when other treatments have failed. The best surgery for a person with sleep apnea largely depends on the type of sleep apnea they have and their own unique anatomy. There are several types of sleep apnea surgeries that can be performed, including:
-
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This is one of the most common surgeries for OSA in adults. During this procedure, a surgeon removes tissue from the rear of the mouth and top of the throat to widen the airway and reduce snoring.
-
Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA): This surgery advances the upper and lower jaw, which also advances the soft tissues of the airway through their attachments to the jawbones. This leads to a wider airway and improved breathing during sleep.
-
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS): This procedure uses electricity to help you breathe easier. A small device is placed in the chest under the skin, and wires attach to a nerve that controls the tongue muscle. While you sleep, an electric signal can trigger this nerve to push your tongue forward when you breathe.
-
Tracheostomy: This surgery involves bypassing the part of the airway that becomes blocked entirely and connecting a tube directly to the windpipe, allowing air to pass in and out of the lungs bypassing the blocked air passage in the throat. This is usually reserved for severe, life-threatening sleep apnea when other treatments have failed.
It is important to note that sleep apnea surgery is usually only recommended after other treatments have failed. The best surgery for a person with sleep apnea largely depends on the type of sleep apnea they have and their own unique anatomy. A medical professional generally conducts a pre-surgical evaluation before recommending a type of sleep apnea surgery.
