Sleep Endoscopy

What is a sleep endoscopy?

A sleep endoscopy is used to see how your airway moves while you are asleep. The anesthesia team will give you medicine to put you to sleep and the surgeon passes a small flexible camera (or “scope”) through your nose and into your throat to evaluate the back of your nose, throat and upper airway.

When is this procedure recommended?

Your doctor may recommend this if you are experiencing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a condition that can disrupt sleep quality but also cause other serious health problems. The procedure allows your surgeon to evaluate if any additional procedures or interventions can help manage your symptoms.

What should I expect from this procedure?

You will receive anesthesia to put you to sleep. Afterwards you will wake up in the recovery area. It is normal to be drowsy the rest of the day and many people have a sore throat for around a day after the procedure.

What are the risks of the procedure?

This procedure is very safe. Some patients can develop a small nose bleed from an injury from the flexible scope, but this is rare.

What should I expect after the procedure?

You may go home on the same day. Most patients have minimal pain and you can return to normal activities (work/school/etc) the next day