Breathe Better Sleep Better Live Better Podcast 5 Surprising Facts About Maxillo-Mandibular Surgery Revealed
Nov 30, 2021
Dr. Kasey Li, a triple board-certified expert in maxillomandibular advancement surgery, delves into the surprising truths of sleep apnea treatments. He reveals critical insights about the importance of patient selection and the complexities of surgery. The conversation highlights the necessity of a multi-specialty approach and managing expectations. Dr. Li also discusses risks such as nerve damage and compares success rates across different demographics, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by pediatric patients with sleep apnea.
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Skeletal Expansion vs Soft-Tissue Tightening
- Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) enlarges the airway by moving jaw bones forward instead of only tightening soft tissues.
- Choosing the right patient and anatomic target is critical to surgical success.
Start With Least Invasive Options
- Recommend least invasive effective treatment first and present alternatives if CPAP fails or is intolerable.
- Educate patients about oral appliances and surgery as valid options when CPAP is not tolerated.
Select Surgery By Anatomy And Patient Factors
- Base surgical choice on anatomy, age, weight, and soft-tissue redundancy rather than one-size-fits-all rules.
- Avoid airway surgery for markedly obese patients until weight is controlled or other therapies tried.
