A 35-year-old man suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has successfully regained normal sleep after undergoing a complex corrective surgery in Bengaluru, offering hope to many patients struggling with long-term sleep disorders.
The patient had reportedly suffered for years from breathing difficulties, choking during sleep, disturbed sleep patterns, extreme daytime tiredness, and fatigue. Doctors said he had been dependent on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy before opting for surgery.
The procedure involved upper and lower jaw osteotomies, anticlockwise rotational correction, and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA). Surgeons later stabilised the jawbones using mini-plates and screws.
More patients choosing surgery over CPAP
According to Dr Sathish MS Vasishta, awareness about sleep quality and its impact on overall health has increased significantly in recent years.
Doctors say many patients between the ages of 30 and 50 are now exploring surgical correction, especially those unable to tolerate CPAP masks or those with structural airway problems.
“Many patients are looking for a one-time solution instead of depending on lifelong CPAP support,” said Dr Soumya M S.
She explained that patients often find CPAP masks uncomfortable, especially during travel or while sleeping beside a partner. Doctors estimate that nearly 40 to 50 per cent of patients eventually stop using CPAP regularly.
Surgery may not work for everyone
However, experts cautioned that surgical outcomes can vary from patient to patient.
Dr Satyanarayana Mysore said there is still no conclusive evidence showing which patients benefit the most from surgery.
Doctors also warned that many sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed because symptoms such as loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, headaches, fatigue, and poor concentration are often ignored.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where the airway repeatedly gets blocked during sleep, causing interruptions in breathing and poor sleep quality.