Surgery is definitely an option for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. However, keep in mind that surgery is quite painful and often unsuccessful. Most leading authorities in the field of sleep medicine suggest surgery only after other forms of treatment have failed. However, as a last resort it can be helpful. People who have had unsuccessful surgery to treat their sleep apnea are particularly good candidates for oral appliance therapy.

When used in combination with oral appliance therapy, however, surgery can be quite successful in managing sleep-related breathing disorders. Please take a look at Case Study 1.

A relatively simple technique called the "Pillar" procedure can sometimes be helpful in very mild cases. This technique inserts three fibrous rods into the soft palate. Doing this causes the soft palate to vibrate less and can minimize upper airway collapse.