Why is this procedure done?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep problem. Your breathing stops or gets very shallow for 10 to 30 seconds while you are sleeping. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. ‚
With either type of sleep apnea, the amount of oxygen in your blood may drop. This results in poor sleep and makes you tired during the day. ‚
Sometimes, surgery is used for treating people with sleep apnea. This procedure may be done to: ‚
- Take out extra tissue from the nose and throat that is blocking the airway. Tissue may be taken from the uvula. This is the tissue that hangs down at the back of the roof of the mouth. It may also be taken from the roof of the mouth, throat, or the pharynx. The tonsils and adenoids may be taken out as well. This is called a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.
- Take out less tissue from the back of the throat. This is a laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty or LAUP. This method is more often used to help people who snore but should only be considered when other ways to treat snoring have not been helpful. LAUP can be done in your doctors office.
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What will the results be?
- Your airways will be clear of extra tissue in the nose, mouth, and throat.
- Sleep apnea may be treated.
- You may stop snoring. You and your partner will get a better nights sleep.
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- Your doctor may take out tissue from the uvula, soft palate, and throat. If needed, the tonsils and adenoids may also be taken out.
- Your doctor may place stitches to keep the area open and to keep it from collapsing.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- You may have some sleepiness or times when you stop breathing. This may be caused by drugs you are being given.
- You may have some swelling and bleeding. You may have a sore throat or trouble swallowing. You may feel like there is something in your throat.
- You may have drainage from your nose or a nasal tone to your voice. Fluids may get into your nose when you swallow.
- You may stay in the hospital overnight. Full recovery may take a few weeks.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Injury to other tissue or blood vessels
- Breathing gets worse
- Sleep apnea problem gets worse
- CPAP breathing machine may not work as well after this surgery
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Lose weight if you are too heavy.
- If you smoke, stop.
- Avoid drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) at night.
- Do not use drugs like sleeping pills or sedatives to help you sleep.
- Try not to sleep on your back.
- Use your breathing therapies as directed.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Otolaryngology ¢ ˆ ’ Head and Neck Surgery ‚
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Surgery-for-Obstructive-Sleep-Apnea.cfm ‚
American Sleep Apnea Association ‚
http://www.sleepapnea.org/diagnosis-and-treatment/treatment-options.html ‚
Canadian Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/apnea-apnee_e.php ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚