Surgical approaches in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: A review of techniques.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a highly prevalent problem of public health, which is characterized by intermittent and repetitive narrowing of the airway while sleeping. Approximately half of the patients with OSAS therapy fail to comply with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) because of mask-related problems, treatment-related side effects, patient attitude, or perceived lack of benefit. The aim of the surgical therapies for the treatment of OSAS is to improve airway patency by operating on selected sites of obstruction. Different surgical modalities have been developed, since different anatomical locations may be responsible for a narrow upper airway. Consequently, the surgical approach needs to be individualized for each patient. Surgical treatment of OSAS presents variable efficacy but is capable of improving mortality and morbidity rates in selected patients. However, the surgery for OSAS is not a substitute for CPAP but is a salvage treatment option for patients who have failed CPAP and other conservative treatments, or had significant side effects of device use, or have a favorable anatomy such as tonsillar hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]