Patients who do not improve with noninvasive treatments are evaluated for surgery. In maxillofacial surgery, the jaw is moved forward. In UPPP, the surgeon removes soft tissue from the soft palate and the uvula, removes the tonsils, and also removes redundant tissue lateral to the airway. In the past year, laser surgery has become available for patients with mild sleep apnea and snoring related to soft tissue problems. The role of laser surgery in patients with severe sleep apnea remains controversial.
Weight reduction is also part of the sleep center's multidisciplinary approach to sleep apnea.
Apnea usually improves with weight loss and may sometimes resolve entirely. Several programs are available for patients who want to lose weight. CPAP keeps the airway open, allowing normal breathing and sleep. The gold standard of treatment for apneics, CPAP is one of the therapies offered at Penn's Center for Sleep Disorders.