Snoring is usually caused by obstructions in the upper respiratory tract. These obstructions can be caused by one or more of the following anatomical disorders

• Enlarged tonsils (tonsils): Large tonsils can narrow the airway, causing vibration during breathing and snoring.
• Enlarged adenoids (adenoids): Especially in children, enlarged adenoids can cause snoring by making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
• Prolapsed soft palate and small tongue (uvula): If the soft palate or uvula is too large or drooping, it can narrow the airway and cause vibrations and snoring.
• Nasal obstruction (deviated septum, polyps): Problems such as deviated septum (nasal cartilage curvature) or polyps in the nose can cause breathing difficulties and snoring.
• Tongue root size: A large back part of the tongue can trigger snoring by narrowing the airway.

Snoring surgery may be considered in the following cases:

• If other treatment methods have failed: Surgical treatment is considered if conservative treatment methods such as weight loss, lifestyle changes, changing sleep position and snoring apparatus do not yield effective results.
• If anatomical disorders are detected: If it is understood that snoring is caused by structural problems in the nose, palate or throat, surgical intervention may be preferred.
• If sleep apnoea is diagnosed: Surgical treatment may become mandatory when sleep apnoea is diagnosed with snoring. Sleep apnoea is a short-term pause in breathing during sleep and can cause serious health problems.

There are several different techniques used in snoring surgery. Which method is used depends on the anatomical problem that causes snoring. The main surgical techniques are as follows:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This is an operation in which the airway is widened by removing the soft palate, small tongue and sometimes part of the tonsils. This procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia and is effective in reducing snoring.
• Laser uvuloplasty (LAUP): Laser reduction of the small tongue and soft palate. This procedure is less invasive and can be used to relieve snoring.
• Radiofrequency ablation (somnoplastic surgery): Low-level radiofrequency energy is applied to the soft tissue to shrink it. This procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia.
• Septoplasty and turbinate surgery: Problems that cause nasal obstructions such as nasal deviation or concha enlargement are surgically corrected. This procedure can reduce snoring by improving airflow through the nose.
• Tonsil and adenoid surgery (tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy): Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can cause snoring, especially in children. Removal of these tissues can relieve snoring by opening the airway.

The recovery period after snoring surgery depends on the type of surgery performed:

• In more extensive surgeries such asUPPP or tonsillectomy, the recovery period may take 1-2 weeks. Sore throat, difficulty swallowing and mild bleeding are normal during this period.
• For laser or radiofrequency procedures, the recovery time is usually shorter and normal life can be resumed within 1 week.
• Snoring may not completely disappear for several weeks after the operation. It takes time for the tissues to heal and take shape. Full results are usually visible within a few months.

Snoring surgery is generally a safe procedure, but like any surgical intervention, it carries some risks. These may include the following:

• Infection
• Haemorrhage
• Anaesthesia-related complications
• Difficulty swallowing or speech disorders
• If snoring does not completely disappear or starts again
• In rare cases, postoperative respiratory problems

Snoring surgery can be an effective solution for many people, but it may not give definite results in all cases. The rate of complete disappearance of snoring after surgical intervention varies from person to person. The possibility of recurrence of snoring may increase with factors such as postoperative weight gain, lifestyle factors and aging. Therefore, patients should pay attention to lifestyle changes and maintain a healthy weight after surgery to prevent the resumption of snoring.