Genioglossus advancement

Genioglossus Advancement is a surgical procedure used to treat sleep apnea. It involves the advancement of the genioglossus muscle, which is attached to the base of the tongue, to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway during sleep.

Procedure

The Genioglossus Advancement procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower jaw to expose the genioglossus muscle. The muscle is then moved forward and secured in its new position with a small titanium screw. This advancement of the muscle helps to keep the airway open during sleep.

Indications

Genioglossus Advancement is indicated for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who have not responded to conservative treatments such as weight loss, positional therapy, or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). It may also be indicated for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or who prefer a surgical solution to their sleep apnea.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with genioglossus advancement. These may include infection, bleeding, pain, difficulty swallowing, changes in speech, and relapse of sleep apnea symptoms. In rare cases, the titanium screw used to secure the muscle may become loose and require removal.

Effectiveness

Studies have shown that genioglossus advancement can be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. However, it may not completely eliminate the need for CPAP in some patients. The procedure is most effective in patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea and in those who have a large tongue base.

See Also

• Sleep Apnea
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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