A thorough ENT examination may lead you to consider procedures within the nasal cavity (such as turbinate reduction or straightening of the nasal septum, which can contribute to poor air passage).
If your tonsils or adenoids are too large, it may also be advisable to reduce or remove them using Coblator (Radiofrequency).
One of the surgical options for soft tissues is UVPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty), which was widely used in the past and is still practiced in some centers. However, it should be abandoned as recent literature shows no benefit from such procedures and highlights a high number of complications.
For a long time, the soft palate was blamed for all snoring issues, but surgery on the palate is mutilating and dangerous for several reasons:
- Risk of velopharyngeal incompetence leading to choking
- Stenosis of the palate (complete closure of the air passage between the nose and mouth)
- Bleeding, infections
Therefore, this type of surgery should be absolutely avoided, and the notion that the palate is responsible for snoring should be dismissed.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that requires careful management. Most of the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of OSAS are covered by basic health insurance.