Sleep Apnea Surgery – Chicago, IL
Better Sleep Leads to Better Health
Sleep is one of the primary pillars of good health. If you are struggling to get enough rest due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Dr. Wiesman and our Chicago medical team may be able to help via a throat procedure known as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which is commonly referred to as UPPP. This sleep apnea surgery aims to remove excess tissues in the throat in order to facilitate improved breathing. Would you like to learn more about it? Read this page, and then get in touch with us if you would like to request a consultation.
When Does Sleep Apnea Need to Be Treated with Surgery?
It is important to note that surgery is not typically a first-line treatment for OSA. Often, non-invasive methods, such as CPAP therapy, an oral appliance from a dentist, and lifestyle changes (such as weight loss) are enough to adequately manage OSA.
However, if the most common OSA treatments have proven to be ineffective for you, you may need to undergo surgery. Dr. Wiesman can evaluate your case and determine if you are a candidate for UPPP.
Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment
The goal of any sleep apnea treatment is to reduce snoring and improve the quality of a patient’s sleep. Some noteworthy benefits that you may experience as a result of OSA treatment include:
- Improved alertness and emotional well-being on a daily basis.
- A reduced risk of motor vehicle accidents.
- A lower risk of numerous systemic health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, dementia, and more.
What to Expect from Sleep Apnea Surgical Treatment
There are a few different surgeries that might be able to reduce OSA symptoms. UPPP’s goal is to remove tissues in the throat that block the airway during sleep. Some tissues that might be removed include:
- All or part of the uvula (the soft flap of tissue that hangs down at the back of the mouth).
- Parts of the soft palate and tissues along the sides of the throat.
- Tonsils and adenoids, if they are still present.
You will be asleep during the procedure, so you should not experience any pain throughout your surgery. Some patients are discharged soon after the surgery, while others have a one-night stay in the hospital. You will get to go home when your breathing is stable and you are able to swallow safely.
Sleep Apnea Surgery Aftercare
You can expect your throat to be pretty sore for a few weeks after your surgery. Here are some tips to facilitate a smooth recovery:
- Get plenty of rest, but do not be completely sedentary. Light physical activity (something as simple as walking around your house) can reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots.
- Take pain medications as prescribed by Dr. Wiesman.
- Adhere to appropriate dietary restrictions. You may need to stick to consuming only clear liquids immediately after your surgery. Then, you can advance to very soft foods, like mashed potatoes and applesauce. You should choose foods that are not hot, spicy, acidic, hard, or crunchy.
Sleep Apnea Surgery FAQs
Can I Undergo UPPP Even if I Am Obese?
Obesity can be a major contributing factor to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If you are obese, it would be wise to take reasonable measures to shed some extra weight. (You do not have to “get skinny” to experience health benefits. Often, even modest weight loss can improve sleep quality.)
With that being said, some obese patients can undergo UPPP. However, a high BMI might have an adverse impact on the surgery’s effectiveness.
I Cannot Stand My CPAP Machine. Can UPPP Help Me?
While CPAP therapy is effective for most cases of OSA, many patients find their machine difficult to tolerate. Therefore, they do not comply with their prescribed treatment.
If that is true of you, surgery may be an option. It can remove tissues from your airway and allow you to breathe easier. It may reduce or potentially eliminate your need for a CPAP machine. Or, it has the potential to make it easier to tolerate your CPAP.
What Risks Are Associated with Sleep Apnea Surgery?
UPPP is generally a safe procedure. However, just like any surgery, it carries a small degree of risk. In rare cases, patients develop an infection or have a bad reaction to anesthesia. Bleeding, discomfort, and changes in voice can also happen sometimes.
If you have concerns about the risks involved, write down your questions and bring them up during your consultation with Dr. Wiesman. And, of course, if you notice any strange symptoms after your surgery, you should contact us right away.
How Successful Is Sleep Apnea Surgery?
Studies have varying estimates for the success rate of UPPP (different studies may define “success” in different ways). Some studies indicate an impressive success rate of more than 80%, while others show a lower number.
Some patients notice a large reduction in sleep apnea symptoms after undergoing UPPP. For others, it is necessary to continue to seek treatment for their OSA.
The effectiveness of your surgery will depend on your unique anatomy, the severity of your OSA, your overall health, and other factors.
What Other Types of Surgery Can Treat OSA?
UPPP is a common surgical option for patients with OSA, but it is not the only one. For example, some patients require surgery to reposition their lower jaw, which can help to keep the airway open. Others benefit from a tracheostomy, which involves creating a passageway that lets air enter the lungs directly through the trachea.
If Dr. Wiesman believes that UPPP is not right for you, he may refer you to a different type of specialist who can help with your unique case.
