In certain cases, a Snore Opera may be required in order to correct the problem. These operations are carried out using surgical techniques. One such procedure is somnoplasty, which uses heat energy to change tissues. This procedure is done in an office setting under local anesthesia. This procedure is not recommended for patients with sleep apnea.
Results from snore operation
There are several surgical options to treat snoring. Most cases are successful and can reduce or eliminate the snoring. Some procedures can increase the sound level or reduce the size the soft palate. This is what contributes to snoring. Each patient will have different results.
Recent studies show that minimally invasive surgery can decrease 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 to relieve snoring may help a person sleep better and breathe easier. Radiofrequency energy is used to create controlled lesions in the soft tissue that cause obstruction. The scarring reduces the volume of flappy tissue and stiffens the remaining tissue. The procedure can be performed in several areas of the airway: the soft palate at the base of tongue, the nasal turbinates, and the soft palate. It is performed under local pain medication.
Very high success rates have been recorded for MMA surgeries. Two to three weeks after the surgery, patients can resume normal functioning. The procedure is best performed by a highly skilled surgeon.
Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty
Laser-assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (or LAUP) is a surgical procedure that addresses the root causes of loud, habitual snoring. It is performed under local anesthesia and involves the use of a CO2 laser to open up the oropharyngeal airway. Although it's not effective in eliminating all types and forms of snoring the LAUP has demonstrated promising results in reducing upper airway resistance.
LAUP is a single stage procedure that's performed under local pain management. An experienced ENT physician will perform the procedure. The patient will be positioned in a seated place while wearing protective eyeglasses. The surgeon will first apply a 10% liquidocaine solution to the base of the tongue and the palate. A second injection of 2% mepivacaine to the base of each uvula is done. The handpiece attaches to the laser to the patient’s mouth. This is a common procedure and surgeons also use a "backstop" in order to protect the posterior 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 surgical procedure uses radiofrequency energy to create controlled lesions in soft tissues. These scars close the airway, strengthening the surrounding tissue. The procedure can be performed in several areas of your airway, including the soft palate or base of your tongue. Local anesthesia is used to perform the procedure.
This surgery may be beneficial for patients who suffer from severe or persistent 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.