Sleep Apnoea Surgery

Enlarged inferior turbinates, structures inside the nose that humidify and filter air, can block airflow. Surgery reduces the size of the turbinates, often using radiofrequency ablation or surgical resection, to improve nasal breathing and relieve obstruction.

This procedure removes the adenoids, lymphoid tissue located at the back of the nasal cavity. Enlarged adenoids can obstruct airflow, particularly in children, but sometimes in adults. Removal restores airway patency and reduces snoring or breathing difficulties.

Chronic sinus issues can contribute to airway blockages. Sinus surgery, such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), clears blocked sinus passages, improves drainage, and enhances overall airflow through the nasal cavity.

UPPP removes excess or floppy tissue from the soft palate and includes tonsil removal if necessary. This helps to open the upper airway and reduce snoring or apnoea caused by tissue collapse during sleep.

These techniques use controlled energy to scar and stiffen soft tissues in the soft palate or tongue. This prevents tissue from vibrating excessively, reducing snoring and improving airway stability.

Excess tissue at the back of the tongue is trimmed using coblation or diathermy to reduce bulkiness. This enlarges the airway, particularly in cases where tongue size contributes significantly to obstruction.

This procedure repositions muscles in the neck and tongue by moving them forward. This widens the airway and prevents collapse during sleep, addressing obstructions caused by soft tissue laxity.

General anaesthesia is administered via an IV line to keep the patient comfortable and asleep during the procedure, and vital signs are monitored throughout. In some cases, such as certain nasal or sinus surgeries, local anaesthesia with sedation may be an option.

The surgeon uses tools and techniques appropriate to the procedure. For nasal surgeries, specialised endoscopes are inserted through the nostrils, avoiding external incisions. For throat or jaw surgeries, retractors are used to provide access to the surgical site.

Based on the type of surgery, the surgeon modifies or removes tissues that are obstructing the airway. This may include reducing enlarged nasal turbinates, removing the adenoids, clearing sinus blockages, trimming soft palate tissue, or repositioning jaw or neck muscles to improve airway patency.

Absorbable sutures are used for most incisions, eliminating the need for removal. For nasal surgeries, sutures may not be required.