Sometimes, a surgical procedure may be required to stop the condition. These operations are performed using surgical techniques. One such procedure is somnoplasty. It uses heat to change the tissues. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia in an office setting. This is not recommended for those suffering from sleep apnea.
Results of the snore procedure
There are many surgical options available to address snoring. Surgical procedures are effective in most cases and can reduce or eliminate snoring. Some procedures can increase the sound level or reduce the size the soft palate. This is what contributes to snoring. Each patient will have different results.
Recent research has shown that minimally invasive surgery can reduce the amount of snoring. However, results in patients with obstructive sleep apnea have been modest. Patients may want to have minimally invasive surgery despite lack of clear evidence. This is to fix their habitual snoring.
MMA surgery
MMA surgery can be used to treat snoring. It will allow you to breathe more easily and get a better nights sleep. Radiofrequency energy is used to create controlled lesions in the soft tissue that cause obstruction. The scarring reduces tissue volume and stiffens remaining tissue. This procedure can be done on several parts of the airway including the soft palate, base of the tongue and nasal turbinates. The procedure is done under local anesthesia.
The success rate in MMA surgery has been extremely high. Two to three weeks after the surgery, patients can resume normal functioning. This procedure is only possible with a skilled and experienced surgeon.
Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty
Laser-assisted buccal surgery, also known as LAUP, addresses the underlying causes for loud, repetitive snoring. It is performed under local anesthesia and involves the use of a CO2 laser to open up the oropharyngeal airway. Even though it can't completely eliminate snoring all kinds, LAUP has shown promising results for reducing the severity and duration of upper airway resistance syndrome.
LAUP is a single stage procedure that's performed under local pain management. The procedure is carried out by an experienced ENT surgeon. The patient is placed in a seated position and protected by his/her glasses. First, the surgeon sprays 10% of the lidocaine solution on the base and palate. In addition, 2% mepivacaine is injected on either side of the base of the uvula. The handpiece attaches to the laser to the patient’s mouth. This is a common surgery procedure. A "backstop" prevents the laser damaging the posterior of the pharynx.
Ruhrpumpen surgery
In many patients, lifestyle changes and medications are not enough to cure their snoring. Ruhrpumpen surgery may prove to be the best option in these cases. This surgery uses radiofrequency to create controlled lesion in soft tissues. These scars will narrow the airway and increase the strength of the remaining tissues. The procedure can be performed in several areas of your airway, including the soft palate or base of your tongue. Local anesthesia is used to perform the procedure.
This surgery can also be helpful for those who suffer from chronic, severe or even persistent snoring. The procedure involves the surgical removal of excess soft tissue and sometimes the uvula. It has been used to treat chronic snoring for decades, but new techniques are being developed to improve outcomes.