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Sleep Apnea & Snoring Surgery

Sleep Apnea Surgery in Chennai — DISE-Guided, Multilevel Airway Treatment

Experienced sleep team • DISE-guided planning • Multilevel solutions

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Sleep team reviewing upper airway imaging and polysomnography at THANC Hospital, Chennai
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a complex condition where the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels. This can occur at various points, including the nose, palate, tonsils, tongue base, and hypopharynx. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is often the initial treatment, surgery is a vital option for individuals who cannot tolerate CPAP, have not achieved sufficient improvement with it, or present with clear anatomical obstructions. This page outlines how our team at THANC Hospital employs a precise, tailored surgical approach, guided by advanced diagnostic tools like drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), to address the specific sites of airway collapse in your case, moving beyond generic, single-level interventions.

About Sleep Apnea Surgery at THANC

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep, leading to partial or complete cessation of breathing. This results in decreased oxygen saturation and fragmented sleep, impacting overall health and quality of life. The severity of OSA is often graded by the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), with an AHI of 5 to less than 15 events per hour indicating mild OSA, 15 to 30 indicating moderate OSA, and greater than 30 indicating severe OSA. While AHI is a primary diagnostic measure, other factors like oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and daytime symptoms are also crucial in assessing the physiological impact of OSA. Surgical intervention for OSA is typically considered when patients have moderate to severe disease and are unable to tolerate or adhere to CPAP therapy, or when significant anatomical obstructions are identified.

At THANC Hospital, our dedicated sleep and airway team, led by Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar, approaches sleep apnea surgery with a deeply individualised methodology. We understand that OSA is a multi-level problem, and a 'one-size-fits-all' surgical solution is rarely effective. Our comprehensive evaluation includes a detailed clinical examination, polysomnography, and crucially, drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) to dynamically visualise the exact sites and patterns of airway collapse during simulated sleep. This precise diagnostic information allows us to construct a tailored surgical plan, often combining procedures affecting the nasal airway, palate, tonsils, and tongue base, to achieve optimal and lasting improvement in your breathing and sleep quality.

References

  1. 1. Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy: Clinical Application and Surgical Outcomes - PMC — PubMed Central (PMC)
  2. 2. Obstructive Sleep Apnea - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH — National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
  3. 3. Referral of adults with obstructive sleep apnea for surgical consultation: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline - PMC — PubMed Central (PMC)
  4. 4. The perioperative implications of the patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – a narrative review - PMC — PubMed Central (PMC)
  5. 5. Sleep apnea multi-level surgery trial: long-term observational outcomes - PubMed — PubMed

Who Needs Sleep Apnea Surgery?

You may be a candidate if you experience any of the following:

  • Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea with CPAP intolerance
  • Snoring and daytime sleepiness impacting work and driving safety
  • Clear, surgically correctable upper airway obstruction
  • Enlarged tonsils, palate or tongue base contributing to airway collapse
  • Nasal airway block driving CPAP mask failure
  • Selected paediatric cases with severe adenotonsillar obstruction and OSA

What to Expect

A clear step-by-step view of your treatment journey at THANC.

  1. 1

    Sleep Evaluation

    Your journey begins with a thorough sleep physician review and a comprehensive polysomnography (sleep study) to objectively measure the severity of your sleep apnea, including the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation events. A detailed upper airway examination is then performed to identify potential anatomical obstructions. Where indicated, drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) provides dynamic visualisation of the upper airway collapse patterns under controlled sleep conditions, offering crucial insights for surgical planning.

  2. 2

    Tailored Surgical Plan

    Based on the findings from your clinical examination, polysomnography, and DISE, our senior consultants will formulate a highly individualised surgical plan. This plan may involve a combination of procedures targeting specific areas of obstruction, such as nasal airway surgery (e.g., septoplasty, turbinate reduction) for improved airflow, palatal procedures (e.g., uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or palatal stiffening), tonsillectomy, or tongue-base reduction and hyoid suspension to address lower airway collapse. The aim is to create a stable, open airway during sleep.

  3. 3

    The Procedure & Hospital Stay

    Your surgery will be performed under general anaesthesia by our experienced senior surgeons. The duration varies depending on the complexity and number of procedures involved in your tailored plan. Most patients typically require a hospital stay of one to two nights. During this period, our dedicated nursing team will provide close monitoring of your airway and manage any post-operative pain to ensure your comfort and safety as initial swelling subsides.

  4. 4

    Recovery & Sleep Study Review

    Initial airway recovery, particularly from palatal and tonsil procedures, can take approximately two to three weeks, during which a soft diet and pain management are essential. A follow-up clinical review is scheduled around six weeks post-surgery to assess symptom improvement and overall recovery. A repeat polysomnography is typically conducted around three months after surgery to objectively confirm the functional improvement in your sleep apnea severity and guide any further management decisions with your sleep physician.

Why Choose THANC Hospital for Sleep Apnea Surgery?

At THANC Hospital, we are committed to providing highly specialised and patient-centric care for obstructive sleep apnea. Our approach to sleep apnea surgery is built upon a foundation of detailed diagnostic evaluation and customised treatment planning, ensuring that you receive the most appropriate and effective intervention for your specific condition. We prioritise patient safety and optimal outcomes through senior-led surgical expertise and transparent communication throughout your treatment journey.

  • Senior consultants perform all procedures without independent trainees.
  • DISE-guided planning ensures precise identification of collapse sites.
  • Multilevel surgical solutions are tailored to your unique airway anatomy.
  • Rigid nasal endoscopy with navigation enhances nasal airway procedures.
  • Transparent written estimates detail all anticipated costs clearly.
  • Our rates are consistently lower than prevailing Chennai market rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is surgery considered a suitable treatment for obstructive sleep apnea?
Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea is generally considered when continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is not tolerated, has failed to adequately control symptoms, or when there are clear anatomical obstructions amenable to surgical correction. It can also be an option as part of a multi-modal treatment strategy to improve CPAP adherence or reduce its required pressure settings. Our team evaluates each case thoroughly to determine if surgery aligns with your clinical needs and lifestyle.
What is Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) and why is it important?
Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) is a diagnostic procedure where a small, flexible endoscope is used to visualise your upper airway while you are under a controlled, sedated sleep state. This allows our surgeons to observe the dynamic patterns and exact locations of airway collapse, which often differ from an awake examination. DISE is crucial because it enables us to precisely tailor the surgical plan to your specific obstruction sites, leading to more effective and targeted treatment outcomes.
How effective is multilevel sleep apnea surgery?
The effectiveness of multilevel sleep apnea surgery varies based on the individual's severity, sites of collapse, and the specific procedures performed. Studies indicate that a tailored, multilevel approach, especially when guided by DISE, can lead to significant reductions in AHI and improvements in daytime sleepiness and quality of life. While not always a 'cure' (AHI < 5), surgery frequently reduces OSA severity, improves symptoms, and can make CPAP more tolerable for those who still need it.
What are the potential risks or complications associated with sleep apnea surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, sleep apnea surgery carries potential risks, including pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, and changes in voice or swallowing, though these are generally temporary. More significant, but rarer, complications can include prolonged airway swelling requiring temporary breathing support or adverse reactions to anaesthesia. Our senior surgeons will discuss all potential risks and benefits pertinent to your specific surgical plan during your consultation, ensuring you are fully informed.
How long is the recovery period after sleep apnea surgery?
The recovery period can vary depending on the extent and type of procedures performed. Procedures involving the palate and tonsils, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, typically result in a sore throat for one to two weeks, managed with medication and a soft diet. Nasal and tongue-base procedures have different recovery profiles. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days to a week, with full recovery of the airway taking approximately two to three weeks. We provide detailed post-operative care instructions for a smooth recovery.
Will I still need to use CPAP after undergoing sleep apnea surgery?
The goal of sleep apnea surgery is to improve your airway and reduce the severity of your OSA. Some patients achieve complete resolution of their sleep apnea and no longer require CPAP. For others, surgery significantly reduces the severity of their OSA, allowing them to use CPAP more comfortably at a lower pressure setting, or to manage their condition with an oral appliance. A post-operative sleep study will objectively determine your ongoing treatment needs in consultation with your sleep physician.
When should I contact the hospital after my sleep apnea surgery?
You should contact THANC Hospital immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms after your sleep apnea surgery. These include severe or worsening pain not controlled by medication, significant bleeding from your mouth or nose, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or any signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, or pus at the surgical site. Our team is available to provide guidance and care for any post-operative concerns.
Are there specific dietary restrictions after sleep apnea surgery?
Yes, specific dietary restrictions are typically recommended after sleep apnea surgery, especially for procedures involving the palate and tonsils. Initially, a soft, bland, and cool diet is advised to minimise irritation and discomfort to the healing tissues. Avoiding hot, spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods is important for the first one to two weeks. Our team will provide you with comprehensive dietary guidelines tailored to your specific surgical procedures to support optimal healing and comfort.

Related Sleep Apnea & Snoring Surgery

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

Related Reading

Patient guides and educational articles on related topics.

Obstructive sleep apnea — symptoms and treatment options

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar on 12 April 2026

MBBS, MS (ENT), DNB (ENT), MCh (Head & Neck), FEB – ORL HNS, Fellowship in Robotic Head & Neck Surgery (Adelaide), Mini-Fellowship in Sleep Surgery (Singapore)

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Book Appointment+91 73977 68795

Book a Consultation

Meet our senior surgeons to discuss Sleep Apnea Surgery for your case.

Book Appointment+91 73977 68795

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Sleep Apnea Surgery at THANC

  • Senior consultants perform all procedures without independent trainees.
  • DISE-guided planning ensures precise identification of collapse sites.
  • Multilevel surgical solutions are tailored to your unique airway anatomy.
  • Rigid nasal endoscopy with navigation enhances nasal airway procedures.
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