Tongue Surgery - Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Tongue Surgery

Most sleep specialists agree that in a significant number of adult patients obstruction in the area behind the tongue plays an important role in obstructed sleep apnea (OSA). Current data suggest that in some patients better outcomes are achieved by surgically targeting this area, in addition to the nasal cavity and palate. Surgical procedures can be designed to make the tongue firmer and less collapsible during sleep or can be used to remove tongue tissue, reducing its volume in some cases. As with any other technique, careful patient evaluation is key for achieving good results.