ABSTRACT
Examination of the oral cavity can provide significant diagnostic information regarding the general health of the patient. The oral cavity is affected by a multitude of pathologic conditions of variable cause and significance; however, there are numerous normal variations of oral soft tissue structures that may resemble a pathologic state. Understanding these variations assists practitioners to discriminate between normal versus abnormal findings and determine the appropriate course of management, if necessary.
Subject(s)
Mouth Diseases/diagnosis , Mouth Diseases/therapy , Primary Health Care , Soft Tissue Injuries/diagnosis , Soft Tissue Injuries/therapy , Ankyloglossia , Diagnosis, Oral , Humans , Leukoedema, Oral/diagnosis , Leukoedema, Oral/therapy , Lingual Thyroid/diagnosis , Lingual Thyroid/therapy , Mouth Abnormalities/diagnosis , Mouth Abnormalities/therapyABSTRACT
Over the last several decades, various surgical treatments have been advocated and used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Treatments ranging from aggressive procedures, such as tracheostomy, to the least-invasive procedures, such as radioablation, have not yielded satisfactory results. One of the major causes for surgical failures and lower success rates lies in the inadequate understanding and appreciation of the anatomic and pathophysiologic factors that contribute to upper airway obstruction. In some cases, combinations of various surgical techniques may help improve the conditions. This article reviews several major types of surgical procedures, their complications, and the recommended approaches for retreatments.
Subject(s)
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/surgery , Airway Obstruction/surgery , Catheter Ablation/methods , Humans , Laser Therapy/methods , Mandibular Advancement/methods , Nose/surgery , Palate/surgery , Patient Care Planning , Patient Selection , Postoperative Complications/surgery , Prostheses and Implants , Reoperation , Risk Factors , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/physiopathology , Surgical Flaps , Tracheostomy , Uvula/surgeryABSTRACT
The overlap of sleep disorders with various psychiatric problems is so great that one would suspect that both types of problems may have common biologic roots. An estimated 65% to 90% of adults with major depression experience some kind of sleep problem. Sleep problems also increase the risk for developing depression. Since the early days of research on disturbed sleep, clinical studies have suggested the existence of a relationship between depression and obstructive sleep apnea.
