Sleep Surgery

The Swedish Sleep Surgery Program is led by Christopher S. Yang, M.D., FACS and Samuel Bobek, M.D., D.M.D. Our program cares for patients experiencing obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are sleep-disordered breathing conditions. Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders. It literally means “obstruction that impairs breathing during sleep.” Snoring, snorting or gasping for air during sleep can be a sign that someone has sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea can be mild, moderate or severe. Even mild to moderate cases can cause significant health and functional problems. Severe sleep apnea can be especially dangerous. 

Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to many problems:

  • Heavy, disruptive snoring that is often interrupted by pauses and gasps
  • Greater risk of developing high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems
  • Loss of energy/constant fatigue
  • Daytime sleepiness and a tendency to fall asleep at work, while driving or during conversation
  • Impaired on-the-job performance
  • Increased risk of having accidents while driving or operating equipment
  • Irritability, a short temper
  • Morning headaches
  • Forgetfulness
  • Decreased interest in sex

Helping you get a good night's sleep

First-line therapy for sleep apnea and snoring often starts with a device that improves oxygen flow during sleep. It is called continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. It works by blowing a gentle stream of air into the nose during sleep to keep the airway open.

Other nonsurgical therapies, such as a mandibular advancement device, weight loss and positional therapy, can also ease obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Sometimes surgery combined with nonsurgical therapies can produce the best results.

When nonsurgical treatments do not achieve adequate results, we can help patients find the right solution. We begin by doing a comprehensive examination of each patient’s airway. This allows us to identify exactly where the blockage is occurring and what the best treatment is for that person. 

View types of surgery for sleep apnea.