Therapies
ENT surgery
Who is concerned ?
ENT surgery is primarily aimed at patients with snoring as well as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Several anatomical, morphological and functional abnormalities of the upper aerodigestive tract can prevent airflow from circulating correctly. A complete assessment of the upper airways must be carried out by sleep specialists in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team (ENT surgeon, orthodontist, maxillofacial surgeon). Based on their observations, they will decide on a therapeutic solution by suggesting specific surgical procedures.
Surgical procedures
The Cenas sleep medicine centre can provide specific surgical procedures in close collaboration with specialists from Hôpital de la Tour :
Tonsillectomy
This procedure consists in removing the patient’s tonsils. It is often recommended for children suffering from sleep apnoea.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPP)
Performed under general anaesthetic, this procedure consists in removing the uvula and the lower part of the soft palate.
It is very effective in eliminating snoring in the short and medium term, but has limited success in treating sleep apnea.
Bimaxillary advancement surgery or osteotomy
This surgical procedure is recommended for patients who are intolerant to CPAP treatment and have severe OSA.
It is a major surgical procedure that involves the alteration of the patient’s facial profile. It is the most effective treatment there is for severe OSA.
Hypoglossal nerve neurostimulation
Neurostimulation is the intentional modulation of nervous system activity. It involves implanting a stimulator in the hypoglossal nerve to control the activity of pharyngeal dilator muscles.
It is an effective surgical alternative for OSA, but requires validation by a multidisciplinary committee.
Nasal surgery
Intolerance and nasal obstruction are limiting factors in the use of CPAP.
Nasal or septoturbinal surgery consists in correcting the nasal septum. It is effective in improving tolerance to CPAP in cases of nasal obstruction, but does not significantly reduce the severity of OSA.
