WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Robotic surgery for sleep apnea

Some people dismiss sleep apnea as just snoring, but it can be very serious, leading to problems like depression, impotence -- even heart attack. But now there is a new surgery that could help patients get some much needed rest.

Judy Oderwald finally has the energy to read without falling asleep. "Now when I go to bed, I have to fight to go to sleep," she said. "The other times I would hit the pillow and that would be it."

Oderwald was always tired because like millions of Americans she suffered
from obstructive sleep apnea. Her airway closed-up during sleep causing her to
snore and to stop breathing hundreds of times each night.

Now  a revolutionary new surgery  that uses robotic technology is bringing relief to Oderwald and many others.

Surgeon Jeffrey Ahn, with NY Presbyterian/Columbia, is going through the mouth with tiny robotic tools, cutting out excess lymphoid tissue to open up the patient's airway. The technology lets him operate in a place that until now was difficult to reach
with human hands. "This is really an amazing technology that boosts the ability of the surgeon," he said.

Robotic surgery is fairly common in the operating room these days, but only a
few doctors in the world are using it to treat sleep apnea. Doctor Ahn says the surgery is only for those who have tried everything else -- from a breathing mask -- to partial surgeries.

Judy Oderwald had a sore throat and some discomfort while her incisions
healed, but because of the robotic surgery she says she's finally getting good
sleep. "It's just a new outlook on life," she said.

And her new found energy even helped her lose 30 pounds.

Manuel Gallegus - CBS News