Re: Hubby getting Septo/Uppp, any advice or concerns?

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Re: Hubby getting Septo/Uppp, any advice or concerns?

Posted by harley on May 28, 2001 at 16:21:23:
In Reply to: Re: Hubby getting Septo/Uppp, any advice or concerns? posted by Shelbyscout on May 28, 2001 at 14:47:22:
tell your husband to ask his doctor to use the harmonic scalpel in his surgery it will make for faster recovery, less pain, and less bleeding.they have been using it for a couple of years now.here is an article from oct 11,2000
Temple University Hospital Surgeons Using Harmonic Scalpel for Sleep Apnea
Philadelphia - Surgeons at Temple University Hospital, a member of Philadelphia International Medicine (PIM), have begun using a high-tech scalpel that emits vibrating, high frequency radio waves to cut away excess tissue that causes obstructive sleep apnea.
By using the "harmonic scalpel," patients are treated with less pain, and recover quicker. The hand-held device divides tissue like a laser, but without the extreme heat and its associated problems. "Thermal energy from lasers can contribute to pain," said Dr. Daniel J. Kelley, director of Head and Neck Oncology and Skull Base Surgery, department of otorhinolaryngology.
"The work at Temple University Hospital helping patients gain relief from obstructive sleep apnea in a less painful treatment plan is indicative of the approach at all of the Philadelphia International Medicine hospitals," said Andrew Wigglesworth, president of PIM. "Patients are provided not only the latest in patient care, but also compassionate care."
Dr. Kelley explained that the harmonic scalpel is used in laparascopicsurgery and is safer to use near nerves and tissue. He said high frequency radio waves are much cooler and closer to body temperature. The scalpel "emits vibrations rather than heat or electrical current to remove excess tissue in the back of the throat. This vibrational energy destroys the integrity of proteins in tissue, causing them to separate."
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when breathing stops during sleep. It is caused by temporary collapse of the throat when sleeping and is associated with loud snoring, chronic fatigue, headache, daytime sleepiness and a high risk of heart attack and stroke. During surgery, the part of the throat causing the obstruction, including any tonsil tissue, is cut out. "We've seen dramatic reductions in discomfort following this surgery," said Dr. Kelley.

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Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.