One-phase management of severe obstructive sleep apnea: Tongue base reduction with hyoepiglottoplasty plus uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

An Overview of Systematic Reviews on the Surgical Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Background

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder marked by partial or total obstruction of the upper airway while a person is asleep leading to breathing difficulty, reduced oxygenation and frequent awakenings. This condition affects the general health significantly compromising quality of life. The objective of this overview  is to thoroughly assess the systematic reviews on current surgical therapies for the management of OSA in terms of patient outcomes.

Methods

A thorough literature search was performed from inception till 31st December 2022 using PubMed, and Cochrane databases. Studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of different surgical techniques for the management of OSA were considered. The quality of articles was assessed using AMSTAR (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews) and Glenny et al. checklist.

Results

Out of eighteen studies, only seven studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results showed that the majority of studies were in the pediatric age group except one systematic  review which assessed the adult age group.

Conclusion

None of the published articles had compared all surgical procedures based on the standard evaluating procedure nor followed all reporting guidelines in the primary studies. For better implementation, further multi center studies are warranted with unique reporting criteria and guidelines about pre- as well as post-operative phases. Future research should concentrate on contrasting strategies, combination therapies, and evaluating long-term effects.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12663-023-02051-x.

Swallowing evaluation in patients who underwent Partial CO2 LASER Epiglottectomy for Sleep Apnea treatment

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate swallowing in patients who underwent CO2 LASER Partial Epiglottectomy (CO2-LPE) for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and to assess the risk of aspiration with this technique.

MATERIAL & METHODS

Chart review of adult patients who underwent CO2-LPE between 2016 and 2020, in a secondary care hospital. Patients underwent surgery for OSAS, in accordance to Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy findings and an objective swallowing evaluation was done at least 6 months after surgery. Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) questionnaire was applied and Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test (V-VST) and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) were performed. Dysphagia was classified according to Dysphagia Outcome Severity Scale (DOSS).

RESULTS

Eight patients were included in the study. The mean time between surgery and the swallowing evaluation was 50 (±13,2) months. Only 3 patients presented ≥ 3 points on EAT-10 questionnaire. Two patients presented signs of decreased efficacy of swallowing (piecemeal deglutition) but none had a decrease in safety, according to V-VST. Although 50% of the patients presented some pharyngeal residue on FEES, it was classified as trace to mild in most of the cases. No evidence of penetration or aspiration was identified (DOSS ≥ 6 in all patients).

CONCLUSION

The CO2-LPE is a potential treatment for OSAS patients with epiglottic collapse and no evidence of swallowing safety compromise was found.

Epiglottopexy Is a Treatment of Choice for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Caused by a Collapsing Epiglottis

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) reveals epiglottic collapse to be a frequent cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and intolerance of positive airway pressure (PAP). These patients require different management. This prospective study aimed to compare transoral laser epiglottopexy outcomes in patients with OSA caused by epiglottic collapse with the patients’ previous PAP outcomes. Fifteen consecutive adult patients with OSA and epiglottic collapse during DISE were included; ten were analyzed. Before inclusion, PAP was indicated and ineffective in six patients, one of whom underwent unsuccessful uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. PAP was performed during DISE in all patients before epiglottopexy and was uniformly ineffective. ENT control was performed at 1 week and 1 month, and control limited polygraphy to 6 months after surgery. The apnea−hypopnea index (AHI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were significantly improved (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively) in all patients after epiglottopexy. Surgery was successful in 9/10 patients; the remaining patient had a significantly decreased AHI and could finally tolerate PAP. Transoral laser epiglottopexy is used to treat OSA in patients with epiglottic collapse. Unlike other methods, it significantly reduces both AHI and ESS and should be considered for these patients. An active search for OSA patients with epiglottic collapse is recommended to prevent treatment failure.

Swallowing biomechanics pre-multi-level and post-multi-level upper airway surgery for obstructive sleep apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The effect of contemporary multi-level upper airway surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on swallowing is unclear. This study assessed the biomechanical swallowing function in participants with OSA pre- and post-modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and coblation channeling of the tongue (mUPPP+CCT).

METHODS

In this prospective, longitudinal study adults diagnosed with moderate-severe OSA who underwent mUPPP+CCT surgery had swallowing biomechanics assessed using high-resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRPM) and analyzed with swallowgateway.com. Symptomatic swallowing difficulty was evaluated using the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ ≥234). General linear mixed model analysis was conducted to evaluate the difference pre- and post-mUPPP+CCT. Data presented as mean [95% confidence intervals].

RESULTS

HRPM assessments were conducted in 10 participants (7 male; median age 50 [IQR 36-65]) pre- and repeated post-operatively at 9 months [IQR 6-13]. Self-reported dysphagia was unchanged following surgery (SSQ 149 [53, 447] to 168 [54, 247]; P =0.093). HRPM outcomes indicated reduced mesopharyngeal pressures (148 [135, 161] to 124 [112, 137] mm Hg.s.cm; P =0.011), reduced hypopharyngeal pressures (113 [101, 125] to 93 [84, 102] mm Hg.s.cm; P =0.011) and reduced upper esophageal sphincter relaxation pressure (5 [4, 6] to 2 [1,3] mm Hg; P =0.001) but no change to velopharyngeal pressures (135 [123, 147] to 137 [117, 157] mm Hg.s.cm; P =0.850) post-surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

mUPPP may have less implications on the swallow mechanism than previously suspected. In contrast, the reduction in mesopharyngeal contractile pressures associated with CCT, although within normal limits, may effect bolus propulsion. Biomechanical alterations were insufficient to worsen self-reported swallowing function.

Systematic review and updated meta-analysis of multi-level surgery for patients with OSA

OBJECTIVES

To perform an updated systematic review for determining the surgical success rate of multilevel upper airway surgery for patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSA).

METHODS

A systematic review was performed to identify English-language studies that evaluated the treatment of adult OSA patients with multilevel OSA surgery up to January, 2018. We used polysomnography as a metric of treatment success. Articles were only included if the surgery intervention involved at least two of the frequently involved anatomic sites: nose, oropharynx and hypopharynx. Eighty-seven studies fit the inclusion criteria and a meta-analysis was performed to determine the overall success.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 3931 subjects with a mean age of 46.1 years. The originally reported success rate in the included literature was 59.9%. A meta-analysis was performed to redefine the success rate to be consistent with the commonly agreed upon criteria - namely "a reduction in apnea/hypopnea index (AHI, /hr.) of 50% or more and an AHI of less than 20". The recalculated success rate was 60.2%. Standard meta-analytic techniques for combining p-values between studies after weighting for sample size found significant improvements in AHI, apnea index, % of rapid eye movement sleep, lowest saturation of oxygen (%), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

CONCLUSION

This study shows the significant improvement of treatment outcomes with multilevel surgery for OSA patients.

Referral of adults with obstructive sleep apnea for surgical consultation: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine systematic review, meta-analysis, and GRADE assessment

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review provides supporting evidence for the accompanying clinical practice guideline on the referral of adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for surgical consultation.

METHODS

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned a task force of experts in sleep medicine. A systematic review was conducted to identify studies that compared the use of upper airway sleep apnea surgery or bariatric surgery to no treatment as well as studies that reported on patient-important and physiologic outcomes pre- and postoperatively. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the clinical significance of using surgery to treat obstructive sleep apnea in adults. Finally, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) process was used to assess the evidence for making recommendations.

RESULTS

The literature search resulted in 274 studies that provided data suitable for statistical analyses. The analyses demonstrated that surgery as a rescue therapy results in a clinically significant reduction in excessive sleepiness, snoring, blood pressure (BP), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), increase in lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT), sleep quality, and improvement in quality of life in adults with OSA who are intolerant or unaccepting of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. The analyses demonstrated that surgery as an adjunctive therapy results in a clinically significant reduction in optimal PAP pressure and improvement in PAP adherence in adults with OSA who are intolerant or unaccepting of PAP due to side effects associated with high pressure requirements. The analyses also demonstrated that surgery as an initial treatment results in a clinically significant reduction in AHI/RDI, sleepiness, snoring, BP, and ODI, and increase in LSAT in adults with OSA and major anatomical obstruction. Analysis of bariatric surgery data showed a clinically significant reduction in BP, AHI/RDI, sleepiness, snoring, optimal PAP level, BMI, ODI, and an increase in LSAT in adults with OSA and obesity. Analyses of very limited evidence suggest that upper airway surgery does not result in a clinically significant increase in risk of serious persistent adverse events and suggested that bariatric surgery may result in a clinically significant risk of iron malabsorption that may be managed with iron supplements. The task force provided a detailed summary of the evidence along with the quality of evidence, the balance of benefits and harms, patient values and preferences, and resource use considerations.

Maxillomandibular advancement versus multilevel surgery for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Multilevel surgery (MLS) and maxillomandibular advancement surgery (MMA) are two established options in surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which target different levels of airway obstruction. The objective of this review was to comparatively evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of MMA and MLS in the treatment of OSA. MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for studies on MMA and/or MLS in OSA patients. Twenty MMA studies and 39 MLS studies were identified. OSA patients who underwent MMA showed significant improvements in AHI, LSAT, ODI, and ESS by -46.2/h, 13.5%, -30.3/h, and -8.5, respectively. The pooled rates of surgical success and cure for MMA were 85.0% and 46.3%, respectively. Patients who underwent MLS showed significant improvements in AHI, LSAT, ODI, and ESS by -24.7/h, 8.7%, -19.1/h, and -5.8, respectively. The pooled surgical success and cure rates for MLS were 65.1% and 28.1%, respectively. The rates of major complication of MMA and MLS were 3.2% and 1.1%, respectively, and the rate of minor complication of MMA was higher than that of MLS. We conclude that both MMA and MLS are effective treatment options for OSA. Compared to MLS, MMA may be more effective in improving OSA. However, the complication rate of MMA is higher.

The Incidence and Characterization of Globus Sensation, Dysphagia, and Odynophagia Following Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence, duration, and predictors of swallowing-related symptoms following upper airway surgery for obstructive sleep apnea.

METHODS

Adults (age 18 years or older) who underwent surgery for obstructive sleep apnea at a tertiary care institution from January 2012 to December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence, duration, and associated factors of postoperative swallowing complaints were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 130 patients (135 surgical encounters) met criteria for inclusion. There were 91 men (70.0%) and 39 women (30.0%) with a median age of 60 years (range: 19-79). Presurgical diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease was present in 57 patients (43.8%). An average of 2.1 procedures (± 0.8) were conducted at each encounter. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (54.8%) was the most common followed by radiofrequency ablation of the soft palate (34.8%) and tongue base (29.6%). Postoperatively, 25 patients (19.8%) complained of dysphagia, 14 (10.9%) of globus, and 9 (6.7%) of odynophagia. Preoperative gastroesophageal reflux (odds ratio [OR] 4.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41-11.91) and hyoid myotomy with suspension (OR 4.88, 95% CI 1.34-17.77) were significant predictors for dysphagia. Radiofrequency ablation of the tongue base (OR 5.00, 95% CI 1.28-19.50) was a predictor for globus sensation. Median symptom durations, in months, were 4.0 for dysphagia, 7.3 for globus, and 3.0 for odynophagia.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative gastroesophageal reflux and hyoid myotomy with suspension procedure were associated with postoperative dysphagia whereas radiofrequency ablation of the tongue base was associated with globus. These findings can assist surgeons in providing preoperative counseling and postoperative supportive measures regarding dysphagic symptoms following sleep surgery.

Effect of Sleeping Position on Upper Airway Patency in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Determined by the Pharyngeal Structure Causing Collapse

Objectives

In some patients, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be resolved with improvement in pharyngeal patency by sleeping lateral rather than supine, possibly as gravitational effects on the tongue are relieved. Here we tested the hypothesis that the improvement in pharyngeal patency depends on the anatomical structure causing collapse, with patients with tongue-related obstruction and epiglottic collapse exhibiting preferential improvements.

Methods

Twenty-four OSA patients underwent upper airway endoscopy during natural sleep to determine the pharyngeal structure associated with obstruction, with simultaneous recordings of airflow and pharyngeal pressure. Patients were grouped into three categories based on supine endoscopy: Tongue-related obstruction (posteriorly located tongue, N = 10), non-tongue related obstruction (collapse due to the palate or lateral walls, N = 8), and epiglottic collapse (N = 6). Improvement in pharyngeal obstruction was quantified using the change in peak inspiratory airflow and minute ventilation lateral versus supine.

Results

Contrary to our hypothesis, patients with tongue-related obstruction showed no improvement in airflow, and the tongue remained posteriorly located while lateral. Patients without tongue involvement showed modest improvement in airflow (peak flow increased 0.07 L/s and ventilation increased 1.5 L/min). Epiglottic collapse was virtually abolished with lateral positioning and ventilation increased by 45% compared to supine position.

Conclusions

Improvement in pharyngeal patency with sleeping position is structure specific, with profound improvements seen in patients with epiglottic collapse, modest effects in those without tongue involvement and-unexpectedly-no effect in those with tongue-related obstruction. Our data refute the notion that the tongue falls back into the airway during sleep via gravitational influences.

Otorhinolaryngology/maxillofacial disorders

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Upper respiratory infections are ubiquitous

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Voice changes may herald laryngeal cancer

Combined transoral robotic tongue base surgery and palate surgery in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome: expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty versus uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

BACKGROUND

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome is a relatively young technique principally devised for managing apneas in the tongue base (TB) area and supraglottic larynx. This procedure is included in the so-called "multilevel surgery" often including a palatal and nasal surgery.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective analysis in order to understand in detail the relative impact on apneas of the 2 different procedures carried out in the palate area (expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty). We evaluated 2 groups, each of 12 cases, which were sorted according to the primary selection criteria of statistically comparable preoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and volume of removed TB tissue.

RESULTS

Postoperative AHI registered was of 9.9 ± 8.6 SD for the expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty group and 19.8 ± 14.1 SD for the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty group.

CONCLUSION

As the palate component of our multilevel procedure, expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, including conventional nose surgery and robotic surgery, seems to be superior to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

Predictive value of lingua/pharynx ratio for retroglossal obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

CONCLUSIONS

The lingua/pharynx (L/P) ratio has high sensitivity and specificity in predicting the severity of retroglossal obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic value of the L/P ratio in predicting the severity of retroglossal obstruction in patients with OSAHS.

METHODS

Airway computed tomography (CT) was performed in 115 patients with OSAHS. The retroglossal cross-sectional area (RCSA) was measured at the axial level of the hypopharynx, immediately superior to the tip of the epiglottis. Moreover, nine lines, which were lined up in the order of n = 1, 2, 3, …, 9, were drawn from the genial tubercle (point G) to nine points (point P n ) proximally on the posterior pharyngeal wall and hard palate in the sagittal plane. Meanwhile, the nine lines intersected the lingual surface at point Ln, respectively. The L/P ratios of the lingual segment (G to L n distance) to the pharyngeal segment (G to P n distance) were measured. We analyzed the correlations between nine L/P values (L/P n ) and RCSA.

RESULTS

Both simple linear correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis showed that L/P6 and L/P9 had significant negative correlations with RCSA.

The efficacy of multilevel surgery of the upper airway in adults with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Many patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) are incapable of using continuous positive airway pressure. These patients therefore turn to surgical options as a salvage treatment. Early studies and reviews focused on the efficacy of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, a single-level procedure for the treatment of OSAHS. Since OSAHS is usually caused by multilevel obstructions, the true focus on efficacy should be on multilevel surgical intervention. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature on multilevel surgery for OSAHS patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis focusing on subjective and objective outcomes of patients with OSAHS treated with multilevel surgery of the upper airway.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane database, and MEDLINE bibliographic databases up to March 31, 2007, for studies dealing with multilevel surgical modification of the upper airway for the treatment of OSAHS. Additional studies were identified from their reference lists. Articles were included only if the surgical intervention involved at least two of the frequently involved anatomic sites: nose, oropharynx, and hypopharynx.

RESULTS

After applying specific inclusion criteria, 49 multilevel surgery articles (58 groups) were identified. There were 1,978 patients included in the study. The mean minimal follow-up time was 7.3 months (range, 1 to 100 months). A meta-analysis was performed to redefine the success rate to be consistent with the commonly agreed upon criteria, namely "a reduction in the apnea/ hypopnea index (AHI) of 50% or more and an AHI of less than 20." "Success" implies an improved condition and is not meant to imply cure. The recalculated success rate was 66.4%. The overall complication rate was 14.6%. The evidence-base medicine (EBM) level of these 49 studies revealed that only one study was EBM level 1, two papers were EBM level 3, and the other 46 papers were ranked as level 4 evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Multilevel surgery for OSAHS is obviously associated with improved outcomes, although this benefit is supported largely by level 4 evidence. Future research should focus on prospective and controlled studies.

Minimally invasive single-stage multilevel treatment for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To assess subjective and objective improvement after single-stage multilevel minimally invasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review of a prospective dataset of patients treated in a tertiary care referral center.

METHODS

Charts of 145 patients with mild/moderate OSAHS treated with a single-stage multilevel minimally invasive technique were reviewed to abstract pre- and posttreatment symptoms and polysomnographic data. One hundred twenty-two patients had minimum follow-up of 6 (range, 6-23) months and complete data available for analysis. All patients studied had three-level treatment that included nasal surgery, palatal stiffening by Pillar implant technique, and radiofrequency volume reduction of the tongue base. Primary outcomes included change from baseline in apnea/hypopnea index (AHI). Secondary outcomes included change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and bed-partner assessed snoring visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-10), pain levels, narcotic use, and complications.

RESULTS

Mean AHI decreased from 23.2 +/- 7.6 preoperatively to 14.5 +/- 10.2 postoperatively (P < .0001). Classical "cure" was achieved in 54 (47.5%) patients. Mean ESS decreased from 9.7 +/- 3.9 preoperatively to 6.9 +/- 3.3 postoperatively (P < .0001). Mean snoring VAS decreased from 9.4 +/- 0.9 preoperatively to 3.2 +/- 2.4 postoperatively (P <. 0001).

CONCLUSION

Polysomnographic respiratory parameters, ESS, and snoring VAS significantly improved in patients with mild/moderate OSAHS treated with single-stage multilevel minimally invasive surgery. Multilevel minimally invasive single-stage surgery is a valid option for selected patients with mild/moderate OSAHS with the understanding that they may require secondary treatment.