June 20, 2008

5 Types Of Surgery For Getting Rid Of Your Snoring Problem

by Thomas Wilson

In some cases, common remedies for snoring are just not going to solve the problem. There are cases where the only way to stop snoring is to undergo surgery.

There are several types of surgical procedures to stop snoring. The one that's best for you will depend on your body and the contributing factors to your snoring problem.

To find out what option is best for you, you'll want to consult with a otolaryngologist, a surgeon who specializes in nose, throat and ears. Unfortunately, snoring surgery is often considered a cosmetic procedure by insurance companies and is not always covered.

LAUP

One of the most common types of surgery for snoring is uvulopalatoplasty, otherwise known as LAUP. In an LAUP procedure, a laser is used to cut away the uvula (the dangling tissue at the back of your mouth) to reduce its contact with the throat.

If your snoring is caused by the uvula partially blocking your airway, this surgery can make a difference.

Somnoplasty

Another type of surgery commonly used to help with snoring problems is radio frequency tissue ablation, or RFTA. This is done under the trade name "Somnoplasty" and was only recently approved by the FDA.

RFTA is another way of reducing the size of the uvula, minimizing its contact with the throat. With RFTA, multiple sessions may be necessary before you see results. Because it is so new, there is not a lot of data published on it yet.

Another recent procedure is known as Coblation-Channeling. This methods uses radio frequencies to reduce the size of tissue in the airway, which may be obstructing your breathing. This is even newer that RFTA, however, so there is not much data published on it yet either.

Repose

Yet another recent procedure is called tongue suspension, going under the trade name Repose. This type of surgery keeps your tongue from falling back and blocking the airway during sleep.

A small screw gets inserted into your lower jawbone and stitches are placed underneath your tongue, helping to keep your tongue in place during the night.

The last procedure we'll look at is nasal deviation surgery. Blockages in the nose or a deviated septum can cause restricted breathing and lead to snoring. This surgery helps to remove those blockages.

An interesting side-effect of deviation surgery is that it can also help you breathe easier during waking hours. For that reason, many medical insurance plans will cover this one.

As with any type of serious treatment, you should always consult with a medical professional before considering any surgery. Talk to your doctor about your snoring to get their informed opinion of what treatment would be best suited for your situation.

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Filed under Sleep Disorders by Thomas Wilson

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