Surgical Treatment Of Snoring And Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction due to the collapse of the upper airway during sleep. For individuals who have failed conservative therapy, established surgical approaches may be indicated. This evidence review addresses minimally invasive surgical procedures for the treatment of OSA. They include laser-assisted uvuloplasty, tongue base suspension, radiofrequency volumetric reduction of palatal tissues and base of tongue, palatal stiffening procedures, and hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS). This evidence review does not address conventional surgical procedures such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), hyoid suspension, surgical modification of the tongue, maxillofacial surgery, or adenotonsillectomy.