Surgery treats sleep apnea in children

Young children and infants with obstructive sleep apnea could benefit from a new surgical technique.

Removing the adenoids, tonsils or both using a surgical treatment known as adenotonsillectomy proved effective in a recent study on 73 children under the age of two who suffered from sleep apnea. Children treated medically without surgery displayed no improvement in sleep apnea symptoms, while those who underwent surgery reported significant improvement. Researchers say complications and side effects of the surgery were minimal and within acceptable levels.

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea can have long-term developmental consequences, including slowed growth and development, attention deficit and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.

SOURCE: Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 2009