Surgical Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Improving Quality of Life

Posted on 8/7/2023 by San Tan Oral Surgery

OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) represents a globally recognized issue afflicting various people within our societies today. OSA is characterized by repetitive or partial hampering/blocking episodes experienced throughout the nighttime, resulting in interrupted breathing and associated oxygen deprivation following each episode.

Sufferers with high severity observe their symptoms getting worse over time, along with daytime functionality being compromised frequently. Existing treatment options remain inadequate, owing principally to significant compliance concerns among CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) service users, which must constantly be tracked while providing constant positive air pressure.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

In response, several innovative surgical options have arisen catering to those whose experiences leave them unable to tolerate CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) service. UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) is a notable surgical option that removes problematic tissue from the uvula, soft palate, and pharynx to expand the upper airway, potentially alleviating frequent or severe sleep apnea episodes.

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)

While it may not be effective for individuals with large tongue base or lateral wall collapse, MMA (Maxillomandibular Advancement) provides another prospect involving moving upper/lower jaws to expand more space behind the tongue/soft palate area, reducing the likelihood of collapses. This method has boasted superior long-term results for those suffering from skeletal abnormalities contributing highly to OSA's (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) impact on them.

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation (HNS)

HNS (Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation) represents a different approach utilizing an implanted machine stimulating the hypoglossal nerve - responsible for controlling tongue movement - during sleep conditions causing muscles at work that inhibits blockage areas as the patient rests. Offering improved symptom reduction and enhancing quality life measures for those undergoing treatment.

UPPP, MMA, and HNS each provide potential benefits for improving one's overall quality of life among people suffering from OSA. Still, it is always best to decide when you involve our team of experts who, via rigorous processes, will carefully consider/select which surgical option suits you best.

About
Dr. Cynthia Colson

Dr. Colson grew up in the Metro area, attending Camelback High School and ASU. She graduated from the University of Kentucky Dental School and completed her residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital in Long Island, New York. She also attended an anesthesia fellowship program at the University of Illinois at Chicago and has traveled with Healing The Children, a non-profit organization, to Bucarumanga Columbia treating patients with cleft lip and palate deformities.
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What our patients are saying about us

"Dr. Colson is amazing! She explained everything thoroughly without sounding condescending and gently but directly guides you through the whole procedure. She is excellent and super experienced. I got my wisdom teeth pulled (3 partially impacted and one simply extracted) and aside from asking too many questions under laughing gas before the general anesthesia knocked me out, I got no complications and have had essentially no pain at all." – Ana D.

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Office hours

Mon - Thur: 8am to 5:00pm
Friday: 8am to 2:00pm

Location

3303 S. Lindsay Rd.
Suite 112
Gilbert, AZ 85297

Contact

Office: (480) 604-2592

Connect

Santanxray@gmail.com

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