Oral surgery methods for snoring
When the palate or uvula is loose or long they can cause snoring. There are numerous surgical procedures that involve these two areas. In some procedures in the attempt is to stiffen these tissues while other procedures simply remove some of the tissue.
Removal of the Uvula (Uvulectomy)
This procedure is often done at the local doctor's office under localized anesthesia. The removal of the uvula is generally not noticed by individuals. There is however, AP had of around two weeks with this comfort at the back of the throat. Many individuals only need to use over-the-counter pain medications while others require prescription strength medications. The pain is generally described as having a source wrote and increases with the need to swallow. There are three risks with removal of the uvula bleeding, pain and altered speech. If you speak a language with guttural fricatives you might be advised not to have this procedure.
LAUP (Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty)
LAUP is a process that by use of laser trams the palate. This process also may be performed at the local doctor's office under localized anesthesia. Using a laser, small incisions are made to the palate on either side along the uvula. This form of surgery usually requires multiple procedures to achieve maximum effect. This procedure works by stiffening the palate it does this by scarring the tissue and pulling the palate to one side or both sides, this pulling tightens or stiffens the palate reducing its ability to vibrate. Pain is often controlled through basic oral medications and typically lasts less than two weeks.
Radio-frequency ablation of the palate
This procedure is often performed at the doctor's office under localized anesthesiologist as well. The radio-frequency want is used to create three channels in the tissue. The palate tissue receives a burst for approximately 10 seconds of radio-frequency energy. This energy created by the radio-frequency wand causes the tissue to scar. This scarring tightens the palate and allows less vibration. Seventy-seven percent of all individuals who underwent this procedure report a significant reduction in snoring. It should be pointed out that after or up to approximately 3 months scar tissue continues to form after that period the tissue begins to heal. This healing process allows the tissue to soften and overtime many cause obstruction once again. In case studies of individuals who received this procedure after one year twenty nine percent had started to see an increase in their snoring.
Palate Implants
This procedure which involves using material that was used in hernia and heart valve surgery is now being implemented and used today. Using a material that is nonreactive called Dacron which also encourages tissue growth. These implants although extremely small are surgically inserted under local anesthesia. Similar to radio-frequency treatments they stiffen the palate. Snoring is often reduced and a reoccurrence is generally not seen as the implants remain in the palate. There is an increase of infection has with all operations where foreign substances are left in the body. If the implant causes infection is it if it is advised that the implant to be replaced. In some cases the infection helps to increase scarring this scarring then helps in the reduction of vibrations which team also lead to reduced snoring. Unlike the radio-frequency procedure the implant procedure causes less inflammation and typically hurts less and not as long.
You should always seek professional medical advice prior to deciding or committing to a procedure. |
