Snoring And Surgical Considerations
There is an increasing tendency in the Western world
to consider surgery for an increasing number of physiological
conditions that in the past have been tolerated or ignored.
At one time surgery was the choice of last resort and was certainly
never considered for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons. Although
that view has changed it should be remembered that any surgical
procedure is not without risk.
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With improvements in surgical techniques and a better
understanding of the human body medical science is now able to cure
or alleviate the symptoms of all sorts of health conditions. But,
perhaps one should question whether surgery for conditions that are
not life threatening, especially bearing in mind health budget
restrictions that just about every health service faces, is
appropriate.
Whereas any surgical procedure once required a hospital stay of over
a week, it is a different story nowadays. Many operations are
performed under local anesthetic rather than general and the use of
modern day general anesthetics has shortened recovery times – often
enabling patients to be admitted just as day patients.
Despite surgical advancements it is still not an exact science and
for this reason anyone considering surgery to cure their snoring
problem should ensure they have explored all other options first. |
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The first thing to consider is that surgery
is not always successful. Whilst some surgical procedures
have a higher success rate than others, there is uncertainty
in the outcome of all operations. Surgery designed to stop
or treat snoring is one of those procedures that does not
enjoy a high success rate.
Obviously, if the blockage of the airway that causes the
snoring is caused by a removable obstruction such as
enlarged tonsils or adenoids or even a tumor, that
obstruction can be readily and relatively easily removed.
However, for those who snore simply because of their
anatomical set up the procedure is less well defined and the
outcome less certain.
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If the blockage of the airway is caused by
protruding or flabby tissue a surgical procedure to cut away
the offending tissue may be suggested. If the airway is
opened as a result of the surgery and is not then closed
again by the overgrowth of scar tissue, such an operation
may be a success. However, because for most people snoring
has a much deeper underlying cause, such surgery is painful
and unnecessary simply because it is doomed to failure.
By turning to tissue cutting surgery it may be that the real
problem is not solved. Snoring caused by the blockage of the
airway can be caused by so many different factors – some
associated with diet and lifestyle. It may be something as
simple as the sleeping position adopted or some form of
dysfunction of the jaw or tongue. Genetics may even play a
part!
Another worry is that the temporary apparent success of
tissue cutting surgery can disguise a more serious health
condition that then has more time to grow, develop and
worsen. |
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In an age where we would rather turn to
cosmetic surgery than make diet and lifestyle changes, it is
easy to understand why surgery is becoming the popular
choice in treatments for snoring but caution needs to be
exercised and careful consideration must be given as to
whether this is indeed the most appropriate treatment for
the problem.
By having surgery before all other avenues have been
explored, such as changes in diet, lifestyle and sleep
position there is enormous potential for the wrong problem
to be solved.
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