Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Stop Snoring Surgically

Snoring can have a serious, negative effect on your life. It can take a toll on your relationship if you share a bed with your significant other. It can also affect your health, as snorers often don't sleep soundly. Although there are many treatments available to discourage snoring, surgery is one of the most effective means. As with any surgery, there are significant risks involved, so it's important to discuss these with your doctor.


Instructions


1. See a surgeon who specializes in snoring surgeries. Generally, otolaryngologists, more commonly known as ear, nose and throat doctors, specialize in such surgeries. Maxillofacial and oral surgeons also commonly perform surgeries that treat snoring.








2. Discuss an uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, also known as UPPP, with your surgeon. With this surgery, part of your palate or uvula will be removed. In some individuals, the tonsils are also removed during an UPPP. By removing these areas, your airway will be wider, resulting in less snoring. This surgery involves significant postoperative pain, and full recovery takes up to four weeks.


3. Talk to your surgeon about somnoplasty, also known as radio-frequency ablation. This procedure is the least-invasive surgical procedure to stop snoring. Energy from a needle electrode is used to shrink excess tissue in the nose and mouth areas, allowing you to breathe more easily while you sleep, thereby decreasing snoring.


4. Consider laser-assisted uvuloplatoplasty, also known as LAUP. In this procedure, a laser is used to remove part of the uvula and soft palate, creating a wider breathing airway. Generally, several laser treatment sessions are necessary to effectively stop snoring. This method works best for light to moderate snorers, as it may not be successful on heavy snorers.


5. Try a palatal stiffening operation, also known as CAPSO. During this surgery, an electrical cautery is pushed into your soft palate. The cautery burns a portion of the soft palate away to create a larger airway. Generally, CAPSO is an outpatient procedure.

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