Cure your snoring problem: Snoring and Surgery

When snoring problems are too much for the normal, commonly used remedies, it may be the right idea to undergo a surgical procedure to correct the problem. There are many different types of surgery to connect snoring problems, and people need certain surgeries based on the make-up of their body. The proper type of surgeon to consult for this type of operation would be an otolaryngologist.

These doctors work with specialization in issues concerning the ears, nose, and throat. Since surgeries related to snoring are billed as a cosmetic process, they are rarely covered by insurance and can be quite costly. Most of the surgical procedures related to snoring are performed in a physician’s office, most commonly under a local anesthetic.

One of the most common surgeries for snoring would be a laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty, commonly referred to as a LAUP. This is a modification of another procedure known as Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, or UPPP, which is also occasionally performed. In a LAUP procedure, the surgeon uses a laser to cut away the uvula which is the dangling tissue that is found in the back of the roof of the mouth. This procedure generally fixes snoring for those whose airway obstruction was caused by their uvula.

Another surgical procedure to aid snoring is radio frequency tissue ablation, or RFTA. Done under the trade name Somnoplasty, and only just very recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998, RFTA is performed to minimize the uvula. More than one session of this surgery may need to be performed. Since this type of treatment has been approved so recently, not too much published data on it is currently available.

In February of 2000, another tissue ablation procedure was approved for use with snoring. Known as Coblation-Channeling, this method uses the energy of radio frequencies to reduce in size tissue in the airway that is obstructive. It can also fully remove tissue if this is needed. However, even less data has been published about this procedure.

The tongue suspension procedure is a surgery that was approved by the FDA in 1998. Under the trade name Repose, this surgery involves keeping the person’s tongue from falling back over the airway during periods of sleep. This is done by inserting a small screw into the lower jaw bone and placing stitches below the tongue. This procedure is usually performed in line with other procedures, and little clinical data has been published for this surgery.

Last, but not least, is nasal deviation surgery. Obstructions in the nose or a deviated septum can be the cause of a restricted airway which may be leading to snoring. These surgeries can also help to improve breathing during the day, and for that reason, are often covered by insurance policies. Surgeries are also sometimes used that help to fix the jaw line, stopping snoring problems.

As with any surgery, you need to seriously consider your options when facing these circumstances. Surgeries are a radical procedure and choosing the right doctor is an important step. Be sure you heavily research both the surgery you are expected to undergo as well as finding out about the doctor.

Cure your snoring problem

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Snoring and Surgery

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