Surgical Treatment Guideline for Snoring or Sleep apnea

Snoring or Sleep apnea due to upper airway obstruction caused by obstruction from nose, oral cavity and neck causing hypoxia in the body resulting in various conditions.

There are many modalities for the treatment of snoring or sleep apnea including medication, behavior modification, the use of various type of respiratory devices including surgery. The main objective of the treatment by surgery is to correct the abnormalities that cause the airway obstruction to function better. For both treatment and the use of respiratory expanders such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) to work better it is necessary for the patient to have a physical examination to assess the upper respiratory tract to receive effective treatment.

Surgical treatment will correct abnormal respiratory structures from the nose to the neck.

Treatment by nasal surgery includes

1. Radiofrequency to reduce swelling of nose tissue allowing better breathing
2. Correction of deviated septum [Septoplasty]
3. Endoscopic nasal surgery such as hemorrhoid in the nose or lumps in the nose

Treatment by surgery in oral cavity which includes

1. Radiofrequency at soft palate or base of tongue to stiffen the soft palate and reduce base of tongue to increase space in oral cavity.
2. Palatal implant
3. Tonsillectomy / adenotonsillectomy in the patients who have large tonsil or in pediatric patients who have sleep apnea which is found very effective in children.
4. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty [UPPP]

Treatment by surgery in throat which are source of airway obstruction such as tumors or cysts

In addition, there is surgery that modifies facial bone structure and other surgeries that assist expanding the airway allowing patients to breathe better.

If you have any questions or want to inquire about respiratory evaluation or surgery to treat sleep apnea, please consult the specialist at Ear Nose Throat Department, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya

Dr. Apiradee Sukkharom