Thanks a lot sypark.

I have one more question. What are the treatment options for permanent VPI ? (hopefully my husband's situation is only temporary)

Worst case scenario, if he still has it 6-12 months later, then there are various pharyngeal flap procedures that are available. It's similar to what's done for cleft palates.

Great info and I have to say many of you're points are right on............

I am scheduled for MMA surgery at Stanford in August.  I started off with an AHI of 28 and RDI of 42...tried cpap,dental appliance,UPPP tonsils ect.  My RDI is now 11 with a 25.5 rdi in REM.  My symptoms didn't improve from RDI of 42 to RDI of 11 and that is why we have decided MMA would be the next move.  I have a 3mm throat and 1mm behind base of tongue to throat.    Question:  What are you're thoughts on MMA?  I also am 34 years old,6'1 215lbs,athletic build ect.
I have seen three sleep clinics that have all given different results with sleep studies (to you're point all sleep clinic do things differently).
All three docs have given different advice: Cpap is the only way. UPPP tonsils won't help. ect ect.  Being in the medical field myself it troubles me the lack of knowledge docs have on sleep.

Any thoughts would be great...You're posts above have been dead on!!!!!!!!

Scott

Scott,

I'm sure you're in good hands at Stanford. Their protocols and research is what inspired me to begin doing these type of procedures. When you say you've tried cpap, dental appliance, UPPP, tonsils, etc., do you also mean MOGA and hyoid suspension? Their typical protocol is UPPP, MOGA and hyoid suspension. They offer MMA after if the previous three doesn't work. Based on your upper airway findings, it sounds like you need to do something to pull your tongue more forward. The MMA is approached differently by different specialties. ENTs like myself will offer soft tissue surgery first (unless there's a obvious jaw constriction) and then offer MMA if the first surgery does not help. Oral-maxillofacial surgeons will offer MMAs as first line treatment. This is a relatively big surgery, but with a much higher chance of success (well over 90% in most studies), where you pull both your upper and lower jaws forward. The senior surgeons at Stanford are dentists as well as otolaryngologists, and are well qualified to manage your situation.