Surgery
Surgical options aim at increasing the size of your airway, thus reducing your episodes of sleep apnoea. The options range from minor clinic based procedures to those requiring general anaesthesia.
Surgical options, which may be done singly or in combination, include:
Radiofrequency or Coblation Reduction of the Nasal Turbinate(Outpatient Procedure under Local Anaesthesia)
This is especially effective in patients who have persistent nasal obstruction due to turbinate hypertrophy which is not responsive to medical treatment. After an injection of local anaesthesia, a disposable radiofrequency probe is used to strink the turbinates. This will result in maximal improvement in airway over two to four weeks. This is a well tolerated procedure, patient can return to work the next day.
Radiofrequency or Coblation stiffening of the palate(Outpatient Procedure under Local Anaesthesia)
In snoring or mild to moderate sleep apnoea, stiffening the palate through the use of radiofrequency or coblationis a simple and effective way to reduce symptoms. A disposable probe is inserted into the soft palate and a predetermined level of radiofrequency energy is delivered to the palate. This will tighten the palate over several weeks resulting in a decrease level of snoring and airway collapse.
Reshaping of the Palate (Outpatient Procedure under Local Anaesthesia)
The excess palatal tissue is removed under local anaesthesia enlarging the oral airway. This is often combined with stiffening of the palate.
If there is a deviated nasal septum, enlarged tonsils or tongue base, usually a general anaesthesia will be required.
Septoplasty. This is the straightening of the nasal septum widening the airway. This is done in combination with turbinate reduction.
Tonsillectomy & Palatal Surgery. If the tonsils are enlarged, removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) will represent the most effective way of relieving the obstruction.
Tongue Base Reduction. If the tongue base is bulky, reducing the size is important in achieving a good result. In the past this was often a difficult procedure. With the advent of the coblation technique, the tongue base can be reduced using a special probe without any cuts required.
