Which surgical procedure is primarily performed to treat obstructive sleep apnea by enlarging the oropharyngeal airway?

The procedure primarily performed to treat obstructive sleep apnea by enlarging the oropharyngeal airway is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. This surgical technique involves the removal of excess tissue in the throat, specifically the uvula and portions of the soft palate, as well as the tonsils in some cases. The main objective of this operation is to widen the airway in the oropharynx, reducing airflow resistance and minimizing the possibility of airway obstruction during sleep.

By removing these obstructive tissues, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty allows for improved airflow, which can help alleviate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, such as snoring and apnea episodes. This procedure is often recommended for patients who do not respond well to non-invasive methods and is particularly useful in patients with specific anatomical variations contributing to their sleep apnea.

Other surgical options, like genioglossus advancement and maxillomandibular advancement, also aim to address obstructive sleep apnea but work through different mechanisms or anatomical sites. Genioglossus advancement focuses on repositioning the tongue muscle attachment, while maxillomandibular advancement repositions both the upper and lower jaw to increase the size of the airway. Tracheostomy is a more drastic measure that involves