Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. For patients who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine, oral and maxillofacial surgeons offer surgical options to provide a permanent solution. These procedures are designed to enlarge the airway by repositioning the jaw or removing excess tissue, improving breathing and overall health.

Overview

Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OSA occurs when the soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse, blocking the airway. This can lead to interrupted sleep, daytime fatigue, and long-term health complications. While CPAP Therapy is often recommended, many patients find it uncomfortable or difficult to use consistently.

How surgery can help

Surgical options aim to create a more open airway, addressing the root cause of obstruction. Procedures may involve:

Repositioning the jaw to improve airflow
Removing excess tissue in the throat
Combining multiple techniques for optimal results

By enlarging the airway, these surgeries can reduce or eliminate breathing blockages, allowing for more restful sleep and improved overall health.

Benefits of surgical treatment

The advantages of addressing OSA surgically go beyond better sleep.

Patients may also experience:

Surgical treatment is designed not just to improve nighttime breathing but to enhance overall wellness, helping patients feel healthier and more alert every day.

Inspire® therapy

Our practice offers Inspire® therapy, an advanced implant-based treatment option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who are unable to tolerate CPAP.

What is Inspire therapy?

Inspire therapy is a mask-free 1 solution for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have tried and struggled with CPAP. Through a simple-to-use system including the Inspire® implant, Inspire™ remote and Inspire® app, Inspire therapy enables you to control your OSA treatment from the palm of your hand.

How does Inspire therapy work?

During sleep, your tongue relaxes. For people with OSA, your tongue relaxes into a position that blocks your airway. While other OSA therapies use a hose and mask to force air through your airway, the Inspire implant works comfortably2 inside your body to sense when you take a breath. Then, it delivers gentle pulses that move your tongue forward to keep your airway open, helping you breathe regularly and sleep soundly. Simply use the small handheld Inspire® remote to turn your therapy on when you’re ready to sleep.

Your surgical treatment for Sleep Apnea

What to expect

Before surgery

The journey begins with a thorough evaluation by a sleep specialist and your oral and maxillofacial surgeon. You will undergo a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The surgeon will perform a comprehensive physical exam and may use imaging, such as a CT Scan, to pinpoint the exact location of the airway obstruction.

Based on these findings, a surgical plan will be tailored to your individual anatomy and needs.

During surgery

Sleep Apnea Surgery is performed under General Anesthesia in a hospital setting. The specific procedure depends on the cause of the obstruction. Common procedures include:

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Removes excess soft tissue from the back of the throat
Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): Repositions the upper and lower jaws forward to enlarge the airway
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HSN): Gently activates the tongue-controlling nerve to move the tongue forward and keep the airway open during sleep

The duration of the surgery varies based on the complexity of the procedure.

After surgery

After surgery, you will be monitored in a hospital recovery room. The initial recovery period may involve:

Sore throat, swelling, and difficulty swallowing
Pain management with medication
A soft or liquid diet for the first few weeks

Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions. A follow-up sleep study may be scheduled a few months later to confirm improvements in sleep quality and ensure the success of the procedure.

Questions about Sleep Apnea Surgery

Cleburne Oral Surgery is here to address all your questions and concerns regarding Sleep Apnea Surgery.

What are the different types of
surgery for Sleep Apnea?

There are several surgical options, ranging from less invasive to more extensive. Less invasive procedures include Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) to remove tissue from the soft palate and throat, or a Septoplasty to correct a deviated septum. More definitive procedures include a Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA), which repositions the entire upper and lower jaw forward to create a larger airway. The best option depends on the location and cause of your obstruction.

Is Sleep Apnea Surgery a permanent cure?

While surgery offers the potential for a permanent cure, its success rate varies depending on the type of procedure and the individual’s anatomy and severity of their condition. Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) has one of the highest success rates, often leading to a cure. Less invasive procedures may reduce the severity of OSA, allowing for a better response to other treatments. A follow-up sleep study will be used to determine the success of the surgery.

Is Sleep Apnea Surgery painful?

The surgery itself is performed under General Anesthesia, so you will not feel anything. Post-operative pain is to be expected, especially a severe sore throat after procedures like a UPPP. However, this is managed with pain medication, and most patients report that the pain is manageable and subsides within a week or two.

How long is the recovery period for
Sleep Apnea Surgery?

The initial recovery period typically involves about 1-2 weeks of significant discomfort, during which a soft or liquid diet is necessary. Full recovery, including the resolution of swelling and the return to a normal diet, can take several weeks to a few months, especially for more extensive procedures like MMA.

Will I need to use a CPAP machine
after surgery?

The goal of Sleep Apnea Surgery is to eliminate the need for a CPAP machine. After a successful surgery, many patients are able to stop using their CPAP. However, it is essential to have a follow-up sleep study to confirm the surgery’s success before discontinuing CPAP use.

Are there non-surgical alternatives
to CPAP?

Yes, an oral appliance or splint can be used to hold the jaw forward and keep the airway open during sleep. This is often an effective alternative for patients with mild to moderate Sleep Apnea who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine. However, surgical options are considered a more permanent solution for severe cases.

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