In certain cases, a Snore Opera may be required in order to correct the problem. These operations are performed using surgical techniques. One such procedure is somnoplasty. It uses heat to change the tissues. This procedure is performed in an office setting and under local anesthesia. However, this procedure is not recommended for people with sleep apnea.
Results of snore operations
There are many surgical options available to address snoring. Most cases of snoring can be treated with surgical procedures. Some procedures can improve the sound level and reduce the size of the soft palate, which contributes to snoring. Each patient will have different results.
Recent research has shown that minimally invasive surgery can reduce the amount of snoring. Patients with obstructive or sleep apnea had modest results. Patients often want minimally invasive surgery to stop their snoring, despite the lack of evidence.
MMA surgery
MMA surgery for snoring is a procedure that can make it easier to breathe and help you sleep better. 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. It is performed under local pain medication.
The success rate for MMA surgery is extremely high. Within two to three week, patients can return to normal functioning. The procedure is best performed by a highly skilled surgeon.
Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty
Laser-assisted oral uvulopalatoplasty or LAUP is a surgical procedure used to address the underlying causes behind loud and repetitive snoring. It is performed under local pain relief and uses a CO2 laser in order to open up the airway. While it doesn't eliminate all types of snoring completely, LAUP has been shown to reduce the severity of upper-airway resistance syndrome.
LAUP is a one-stage procedure that is done under local anaesthesia. The procedure is carried out by an experienced ENT surgeon. The patient is positioned in a seated position while wearing protective eye glasses. The surgeon will first apply a 10% liquidocaine solution to the base of the tongue and the palate. A second dose of 2% mepivacaine will be injected at the base of both the uvula and the palate. A hand piece attaches the laser to the patient's lips. This is a very common surgical procedure. The surgeon uses a "backstop", to stop the laser from damaging the posterior part of the pharynx.
Ruhrpumpen surgery
For many people, lifestyle changes and medications do not suffice to eliminate snoring. Ruhrpumpen surgery might be the only solution in these cases. This procedure uses radiofrequency energy (RFI) to create controlled lesions within soft tissues. These scars narrow the airway and strengthen the remaining tissue. The procedure can also be performed on the base and soft palate of the tongue. Local anesthesia is used to perform the procedure.
This surgery is also beneficial to patients suffering from chronic or severe snoring. The surgery involves the removal of excess tissue from the throat and sometimes the upper uvula. While it has been used to treat chronic sleep apnea for decades, new techniques have been developed to improve their results.