ABSTRACT
Resumen Los trastornos respiratorios del sueño (ronquido primario y síndrome de apnea-hipopnea obstructiva del sueño) han sido tratados mediante múltiples modalidades a lo largo de la historia. Sin embargo, la cirugía de la vía aérea superior siempre ha estado presente, dando cabida a la aparición de múltiples técnicas para este fin. El estudio adecuado de los sitios anatómicos de estrechez o colapso de la vía aérea superior y sus contribuyentes (bajo el concepto de topodiagnóstico) y el mejor entendimiento de los mecanismos de acción de los diferentes procedimientos descritos, ha permitido el nacimiento de una nueva disciplina, dedicada al manejo quirúrgico planificado de este grupo de patologías: la cirugía del sueño.
Abstract Sleep-related breathing disorders (primary snoring and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome) have been treated with multiple modalities throughout history. However, upper airway surgery has always been present, giving appearance of multiple techniques for this purpose. The adequate study of the anatomical sites of upper airway narrowness or collapse and its contributors (under the concept of topodiagnosis) and a better understanding of the different procedures, has allowed the birth of a new discipline, dedicated to a planned surgical management for this group of pathologies: sleep surgery.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surgical treatment is considered as a secondary treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study was performed to determine whether surgical treatment can be considered in patients with moderate-severe OSA as a treatment modality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 127 patients with moderate-severe OSA were retrospectively enrolled. The anatomic narrowing sites were mainly evaluated using cephalometry and drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), and then multi-level surgeries were performed. RESULTS: Both uvula and soft palate were the most frequent narrowing sites and a total of 110 patients showed upper airway narrowing more than two anatomic structures. A total of 79 patients (62.1%) were categorized as responders and 48 patients (39.1%) were non-responders. After multi-level sleep surgeries, patients' subjective symptoms and sleep parameters were significantly improved. However, AHI was not considerably decreased. Non-responders to sleep surgeries showed relatively higher rates of severe OSA and body mass index. Tongue base narrowing, incomplete corrections of nasal pathologies and soft palate were significant factors for lower success rates. CONCLUSION: We estimate that sleep surgery might be a therapeutic option for moderate to severe patients with OSA. A delicate pre-operative evaluation for upper airway narrowing is necessary to adapt sleep surgery to these patients.