Snoring affects approximately half of the adult population, primarily impairing sleep quality, but in severe cases it can also be associated with respiratory arrest (respiratory apnea), which can have serious consequences. Snoring is a symptom caused by narrowing of the upper airways during sleep. Sleep endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which, using a brief, surface (superficial) anesthesia, the otolaryngologist observes the snoring and possible airway obstruction sites, which helps in selecting the optimal treatment.
Snoring examination (sleep endoscopy)
What kind of preliminary examinations are required?
In addition to the ear, nose and throat (ENT) examination, a laboratory examination and an anesthesiology consultation are required prior to the procedure.
How is sleep endoscopy performed?
The examination is performed as an outpatient procedure in the operating theater. After administering a surface anesthetic, the doctor inserts a flexible endoscope through the nose to examine the throat and airways. The doctor will assess various areas of airway obstruction, such as the soft palate, tonsils (if present), tongue, and epiglottis. Endoscopic images are viewed on a screen and may be recorded for later analysis. During the procedure, various maneuvers may be performed, and the patient may be repositioned to monitor the therapeutic effects of different positions. The procedure takes between 15 and 40 minutes.
What should the patient do after the procedure?
The patient can leave the hospital 4-5 hours after the procedure. It is recommended to leave with an escort, as driving is not allowed on the day of the procedure.
What are the risks of sleep endoscopy?
A decrease in oxygen saturation may occur during the examination, as it does during sleep. The anesthesiologist will ensure that oxygen levels do not fall below normal sleep values. Aspiration of saliva may be required during the examination and there may be brief, mild bleeding of the mucous membrane. The examination may cause sneezing and increased secretions, which may temporarily impair vision. In rare cases, snoring cannot be reliably reproduced, and the examination cannot provide sufficient information to make specific therapeutic recommendations for the treatment of snoring.