Is Sleep Apnea Robbing You Of A Good Night’s Sleep?
With over 39 million American adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), achieving restful sleep may be a thing of the past. Only a fraction of this number has been diagnosed with the condition, so many struggle with sleep, unaware of the underlying reasons. Sleep apnea occurs when there is an obstruction of the airways and breathing during sleep. The pauses in breathing, known as apneas, disrupt sleep, causing the individual to wake suddenly or struggle to achieve deep sleep. OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea, caused by the relaxation of the throat muscles, which then block the airway. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a range of health challenges, such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. To reclaim those restful nights, outpatient surgery may be the best course of action.
Do these treatment strategies work?
There are a range of options available to individuals diagnosed with the condition. An ENT doctor, pulmonologist, or sleep specialist can provide tests and medication to address the underlying cause of sleep apnea. Some patients benefit from lifestyle changes, such as weight management, smoking, and alcohol cessation. However, most cases need additional support. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is often considered the most effective non-surgical option. CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers pressurized air to keep the airways open. While effective, adherence is often challenging as users find the machine uncomfortable, inconvenient, or disruptive to life. Oral and nasal appliances, such as mouth guards or nasal strips, have varying degrees of success. If severe cases fail to produce results, OSA may respond to outpatient surgery.
The power of outpatient surgery
Outpatient surgeries are same-day, minimally invasive techniques to improve sleep apnea symptoms. These procedures are often performed at an ambulatory surgical center (ASC), a facility that focuses on outpatient surgery. Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions, or sometimes none at all, to access and address the underlying cause of sleep apnea. Smaller incisions mean fewer scars, faster recovery, and minimal complications. Patients who choose an ASC benefit from convenient timeframes and cost savings while leaving the same day to recover at home. A doctor or specialist must evaluate the patient first to determine if outpatient surgery is the best option. The ideal candidate should be in good health and have realistic expectations of the results.
Types of sleep apnea outpatient surgery
Outpatient surgery targets any anatomical issues disrupting the effective airflow for a restful sleep. A uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a common outpatient procedure to help with airflow for those with OSA. The surgeon uses small surgical tools to remove excess tissue in the throat, which then widens the airway. Another option is radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which uses energy waves to cut away or shrink the soft palate. If the reason is due to a collapsed tongue, the patient may benefit from hypoglossal nerve stimulation. This procedure involves installing a device that stimulates the nerves under the tongue, preventing future blockages. Additional outpatient strategies include lingual tonsillectomy or removal of enlarged tongue tissue. These procedures are typically less invasive than traditional surgeries, resulting in quicker recovery times and reduced risk of complications.
A restful sleep is achievable
Sleep apnea, over time, can lead to severe physical, emotional, and mental challenges. Chronic sleep disruption impacts work and social relationships. While there are several non-surgical strategies, these provide mixed results and depend on patient adherence. Outpatient surgery can tackle physical obstruction by surgically removing the blockage. These procedures provide faster recovery, less pain, and improved success rates. While effective, the results can vary based on individual health and the underlying cause of sleep apnea. Continue to practice healthy habits after recovery for the best results.
