Sleep Apnea

What is sleep apnea?  Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person has extremely shallow breathing or stops breathing all together for a period of time when they are asleep.  There are several different kinds of sleep apnea:  central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea and mixed sleep apnea.  In central sleep apnea the brain does not signal the respiratory muscles to take a breath. In obstructive sleep apnea, the airway itself becomes obstructed and prevents adequate breathing during sleep.  Mixed apnea is a combination of the two problems. Symptoms of sleep apnea include of course, not being able to sleep well.   People with sleep apnea usually report symptoms of interrupted sleep: inability to concentrate, daytime sleepiness, irritability, limited attention span.  Sleep apnea can complicate other health problems a person might have like high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and heart failure. 

Sleep Apnea Surgery

Sleep apnea or “snoring” surgery is not a quick fix for every person that suffers from sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea surgery generally addresses the anatomic problem that is causing the sleep apnea in the individual.  These surgeries can include nasal surgery, palate implants, tongue reduction, hyoid suspension, maxillomandibular procedures, tracheostomy or even bariatric surgery.  These procedures can also be done in combination depending on the patient’s condition. 

Recovery from Sleep Apnea Surgery

The recovery length from sleep apnea surgery will vary depending on the procedure that the patient recieves.   

Sleep Apnea Surgery Cost

 Sleep Apnea Surgery or “Snoring surgery” costs are dependent on what surgery is done. Other variables that the cost is dependent on are the skill of the surgeon, training of the surgeon, where you are getting it done, and even the city, state, or even country you are getting it the procedure done at.

Risks of Sleep Apnea Surgery

The risks of surgery are also related to the procedure that is done.  Sleep apnea surgery complications are similar to complications that occur with other surgeries.  These include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Respiratory compromise
• Complications related to anesthesia

Consult with a Professional Surgeon

If you think that you have sleep apnea and think that surgery might be the right choice for you, many expert surgeons are available to discuss your options.  They will be able to help you decide if you are a candidate for surgical intervention to correct your sleep apnea.