April 15, 2011

Sleep Endoscopy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring

A new webpage has been created describing a procedure called "sleep endoscopy" or "sedated endoscopy."

This procedure is performed on patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or severe snoring in order to determine where the source of their problem is anatomically located.

This special exam is needed in patients where such anatomic determination is not able to be made in the clinic while they are awake. As such, an anesthesiologist would put the patient to sleep using IV medications and when snoring or obstructive events happen, endoscopy is performed.

Areas that will be specifically examined during sleep endoscopy include:
  • Behind the palate
  • Uvula
  • Back of Tongue
  • Walls of the Throat
  • Epiglottis
  • Voicebox
Each of these areas may experience collapse during sleep causing obstructive or snoring symptoms.

Why is this information helpful? Well... once it is apparent where and what is the culprit causing a given patient's problems, surgical treatment can be geared more specifically and directly to the area of concern seen during sedated endoscopy.

Read more here!




Fauquier blog
Fauquier ENT

Dr. Christopher Chang is a private practice otolaryngology, head & neck surgeon specializing in the treatment of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. Located in Warrenton, VA about 45 minutes west of Washington DC, he also provides inhalant allergy testing/treatment, hearing tests, and dispenses hearing aids.


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