What
is
sleep
apnea
surgery?
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a procedure that removes excess tissue in the throat to make the airway wider. This sometimes can allow air to move through the throat more easily when you breathe, decreasing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The tissues that are removed may include:
-
The soft fingerlike tissue that hangs down from the back of the roof of the mouth into the throat (uvula).
-
Part of the roof of the mouth (soft palate).
-
Excess throat tissue, tonsils, and adenoids.
If
an
enlarged
tongue
is
a
factor
in
your
sleep
apnea,
the
surgeon
may
remove
a
small
part
of
the
tongue.
This
is
called
an
uvulopalatopharyngoglossoplasty.
What
should
I
expect
after
sleep
apnea
surgery?
You may need continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) after surgery. CPAP is a breathing device that you wear at night that helps you breathe more easily and prevents your airway from closing during sleep.
Some pain medicines can relax the throat muscles. You may have to avoid these medicines after surgery to make it less likely that your airways will narrow and cause apnea episodes.
When
is
sleep
apnea
surgery
recommended?
Your
doctor
may
suggest
UPPP
if
you:
-
Have excess tissue in your nose, mouth, or throat that blocks your airway.
-
Choose not to use (or cannot use) CPAP.
-
Do not get better after using CPAP.
-
Do not want to have an opening made in your windpipe (tracheostomy) to treat sleep apnea.
Children
usually
do
not
have
UPPP.
For
them,
removing
the
tonsils
and
adenoids
usually
cures
sleep
apnea.
There is no good evidence on how effective UPPP is for obstructive sleep apnea. UPPP may stop snoring, but apnea episodes may continue. Limited research indicates that about 40% to 60% of people who have UPPP see an improvement in their symptoms. Even if surgery successfully removes the blockage, you may still need CPAP after surgery.
What
are
the
risks
of
sleep
apnea
surgery?
Complications
during
surgery
include
accidental
damage
to
surrounding
blood
vessels
or
tissues.
Complications
after
surgery
may
include:
-
Sleepiness and periods of not breathing (apnea) related to the medicines that are used to relieve pain and help you sleep.
-
Swelling, pain, infection, or bleeding.
-
Speech problems. The surgery may result in a nasal quality to the voice.
-
Narrowing of the airway in the nose and throat.
