Advances in Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Surgery
Pre-Surgical Evaluation: DISE (Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy)
DISE (Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy) is an innovative diagnostic procedure that allows real-time observation of the airway during a simulated sleep state. This study is essential to accurately identify areas of obstruction that cause snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). Thanks to DISE, specialists can plan a personalised surgical treatment, optimising the results and selecting the most appropriate procedure according to each patient's needs.
Técnicas Quirúrgicas Avanzadas
Anterior pharyngoplasty
Anterior pharyngoplasty is a technique that seeks to enlarge the upper airway space by reshaping and fixing the soft palate and pharyngeal walls. This technique allows for precise anatomical correction, reducing tissue collapse and significantly improving breathing during sleep. It is ideal for patients with localised obstruction in the palatopharyngeal region.
Uvulopalatal flap
The uvulopalatal flap is a surgical technique that preserves the function of the uvula while removing excess vibrating tissue from the soft palate. This procedure minimises postoperative complications, such as nasal regurgitation, and is highly effective in reducing snoring. It is especially useful in patients with predominantly palatal obstruction.
Barbate Suture Pharyngoplasty
This technique uses special sutures with small spines or ‘barbs’ to reposition and tighten the tissues of the pharynx without resection. Pharyngoplasty with barbed sutures is a minimally invasive procedure that offers rapid recovery and long-lasting results. It is ideal for patients with moderate airway collapse who are looking for a surgical solution with low risk and minimal downtime.
Expansion Pharyngoplasty
Expansion pharyngoplasty focuses on increasing the transverse diameter of the upper airway by modifying and repositioning the pharyngeal muscles. This procedure is particularly effective in patients with lateral or circumferential pharyngeal collapse. This technique results in greater airway stability during sleep and a significant reduction in apnoea episodes.
Lateral Pharyngoplasty
La faringoplastia lateral o de Cahali es una técnica diseñada para corregir el colapso de las paredes laterales de la faringe en pacientes con AOS severo.Mediante el reposicionamiento quirúrgico de los tejidos faríngeos, se logra una ampliación del espacio aéreo y una mejora en la calidad del sueño. Esta técnica es especialmente beneficiosa en pacientes con SAOS severo asociado a un colapso lateral prominente.
Benefits of Modern Surgical Techniques
- Customisation: Modern techniques allow specific areas of obstruction identified through DISE to be addressed.
- Minimisation of complications: Procedures such as the uvulopalatal flap and bearded sutures significantly reduce postoperative pain and side effects.
- Rapid recovery: Many of these techniques are less invasive and allow an early return to daily activities.
- Lasting results: Precise anatomical correction ensures a sustained improvement in the patient's symptoms and quality of life.
Conclusion
Advanced techniques in snoring and sleep apnoea surgery, along with diagnostic tools such as DISE, have revolutionised the treatment of these disorders. If you experience severe snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea, consult an ENT specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
For more information, make an appointment with our team of experts and take the first step towards a restful night's sleep.
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