Introduction
Snoring is a sound phenomenon produced in sleep usually due to vibration of the soft palate. It is a social problem unless it is accompanied by apnea (a pause in breathing during sleep). Sleep apnea syndrome brings even health risks (it increases the load on the heart and blood circulation). Snoring can be a symptom of the apnea syndrome.
Am I a suitable candidate for surgery?
Snoring can be caused by several different causes and their treatment may be different for different patients. The appropriate type of surgery is determined by an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist on the basis of tests that must be completed prior to surgery. In some cases it is necessary to undergo the examination of sleep (sleep monitoring) before surgery.
The aim of surgery - Laser uvulopalatoplasty
The aim of surgery is to improve the clearness of airways and swallowing pathways, preventing vibration of the soft palate during sleep and possibly the collapse of soft tissue in the pharynx with the emergence of snoring and apnea. The surgery removes the weakest parts of palatal arches, the soft palate and the uvula.
What anaesthetic is used?
The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia.
How long does the surgery take?
This surgery takes about 30 minutes and is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgery is performed by an ENT specialist specializing in sleep medicine using the most modern equipment (MiXto SX Fractional CO2 Laser).
Consequences (complications)
Postoperatively the patient may experience usually temporary changes in swallowing, difficult swallowing of fluids, feeling a lump in the throat, changes in taste, bleeding, inflammatory complications. The effectiveness of the treatment (disappearance of snoring) is about 70%, which is comparable to the success of leading domestic and foreign clinics. Early after the surgery, a deterioration of snoring is usually present (swelling of the operated area), evaluation of the effect is possible in 3-6 months after surgery, preferably after one year.
Is it painful?
Postoperative period is accompanied by a sore throat like "in tonsillitis", the intensity of pain is very individual. The usual duration of pain in the neck is 2-7 days. The expected recovery period is about a week.
Summary
Snoring is quite a complex problem that can be caused by several factors. The most commonly performed surgery for the removal of snoring is laser uvulopalatoplasty. An ENT specialist will determine whether you are a good candidate for this surgery. In the case of correctly indicated performance, the effectiveness (disappearance of snoring) is over 70%. Postoperative pain is usually not extensive, it is manageable by common painkillers, and its length usually does not exceed one week.