Surgeries

Quick answer

When is surgery considered?

Upper-airway surgery is considered in specific situations, on the recommendation of a specialist physician, generally when other approaches are not suitable. Apnée Laval does not perform these procedures and provides information and guidance only.

• The decision rests with the specialist physician after assessment.
• Surgical options vary with anatomy and diagnosis.
• We can explain where an oral appliance fits in the care pathway.

If CPAP treatment is ineffective or poorly tolerated, surgical intervention may be considered for the most severe cases of apnea.

Effectiveness of Surgeries

Effectiveness

Several types of surgeries exist to reduce snoring and apnea, but their effectiveness is relatively low, and apnea tends to reappear some time after the intervention.

Statistics

There is insufficient evidence to recommend these interventions for individuals suffering from only mild or moderate sleep apnea.

Complications

Surgery is not effective for all patients. While it can sometimes improve symptoms, in some cases, it can even worsen your sleep apnea, making these procedures rarely a first-choice treatment.

Weight Loss Surgery

If sleep apnea is partly caused by significant obesity, weight loss can have a favourable effect on apnea. Studies have shown that bariatric surgery, which aims to restrict calorie intake and/or prevent these calories from being assimilated by the body, can reduce the severity of apnea. However, this option is reserved for cases of severe obesity.

Medication

Although no medication can eliminate sleep apnea, some treatments can help reduce apneas by addressing the cause. For example:

Corticosteroids

The use of nasal corticosteroids can reduce the number of apneas if it is determined that the apneas are due to allergic rhinitis.

Anti-reflux medication

Taking anti-reflux medication (such as omeprazole) can help reduce apneas in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux that worsens apneas.

Stimulants

For those who experience significant daytime sleepiness, despite CPAP treatment, stimulant medications may be prescribed.

Sleep Apnea and Anesthesia

Intubation

Patients with sleep apnea (OSA) are at increased risk of difficult endotracheal intubation.

Medication

Medications administered during anesthesia and in the postoperative period can increase the severity of OSA after surgery.

Treatment

Patients with sleep apnea should begin treatment before any surgery. When a patient is treated with CPAP before surgery, they should continue their therapy immediately after the operation.(5)