Title: Results of Multilevel Surgery in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Abstract: Abstract Objectives: Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea produces variable results. We present our experience in a tertiary hospital academic setting. We used a multidisciplinary approach and standard protocol. By varying the surgical approach according to the functional obstructive pathology in each patient, we enable a cure rate of 88%. Methods: All surgical patients were initially seen by either the author, the neurologist, or a pulmonologist. All patients have overnight full polysomonogram, and the sleep studies scored and read by the neurologist or pulmonologist. All patients who refused or are intolerant of nCPAP are referred for surgery. Six months after the surgery, all patients have repeat sleep studies. Results: A total of 53 patients were operated between 1977–1999. Whenever possible, most patients had combined modified W-extended UP3 and GAHM. These are sometimes combined with cervical lipoplasty and tendon transfer. All patients had at least 6 months postoperative follow-up; 15 patients had repeated sleep studies varying from 6 to 12 months after surgery. Eighty-eight percent of the patients have a normal AHI of less than 10. Conclusions: UP3 and GAHM, combined with ancillary procedures, in a single setting can produce good results in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Even though the numbers are small, we think that the methodology, and the raw data presented, and the results reflect the true result. We think that adding cervical lipoplasty and tendon transfer are important in selected cases. Our results compared favorably with other centers.
Publication Year: 2004
Publication Date: 2004-08-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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