After a second sleep study revealed that our three year old daughter still has sleep apnea, we decided to see two more surgeons to get their opinions.  We have already had a tonsillectomy and an adenoidectomy.  The first surgeon looked at an x-ray of her and said that there is nothing he can do until she is old enough to have her jaw broken and moved forward.  The second surgeon did a thorough physical exam and used a scope that looked in through her nose and down into her throat.  This was the first time any of the ENTs we had seen had done this.  It revealed that her adenoids have grown back (in a period of six months!).  He also noticed that her lingual tonsils may be a bit enlarged.  He has recommended surgery to remove the adenoids (again) and he will also do something called a sleep endoscopy. This means that he will put a camera down her throat when she is under anesthesia and will be able to actually see what is obstructing her breathing!  This seems like such a simple procedure, I can't believe none of the 6 other doctors recommended it to us!  I feel like this is a great procedure because we will actually find out what the problem is, versus just guessing.  When he finishes the endoscopy, he will perform the appropriate procedure to remedy the situation.  Just wanted to put this information out for anyone who might want to ask their own doctor about it!  Has anyone had any experiences with the sleep endoscopy?

Michelle

Michelle,

I cringe when I hear of a surgeon who says he will perform the appropriate procedure to remedy the situation.  Please do not let him talk you into doing an UPPP on your child.  It is extremely painful and one can be left with permanent side effects such as regurgitation through the nose, difficultly swallowing loss of taste, etc.  The worst case I have ever heard of was a UPPP done on a six year old.   His mother said the recovery was horrific and her child was left with worse apnea which could not be compensated with a CPAP.

A T&A has a high rate of reversing apnea in children (not the same rate in adults), but please see a physician who specializes in pediatric sleep disorders (rather than a surgeon) before you do any more extensive surgeries.

If you have any questions about an UPPP, read this thread:

Recovering from UPPP Surgery

Vicki


_________________
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
Marilyn Vos Savant

That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Thank you Vicki.  I actually asked him about this procedure because I had read about it on this forum!  He said that he does not perform that surgery.   At our pre-op I will make sure I talk to him about it again!  I appreciate your help.  

Michelle

Michelle,

Do you mind to tell me after the sleep endoscopy what was the cause of the sleep apnea on your daugther? and what procedure did the Dr. sugessted to solve the problem?

I have a months old son with OSA and no solid evidence of what is causing the obstruction?.


Thanks


Janet