Awake examination versus DISE for surgical decision making in patients with OSA: A systematic review

Surgical failure guided by DISE in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The failure rate and risk factors of upper airway surgery with drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) remain unknown in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This review aims to analyze the failure rate of upper airway surgery with DISE and identify obstruction sites for surgical failure.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar until May 20th, 2023. We included studies that used DISE to assess obstructive sites before upper airway surgery and reported surgical failure rates and outcomes in patients with OSA.

RESULTS

25 studies with a total of 1522 patients were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Upper airway surgery guided by DISE had a relatively low failure rate of 37% (95% CI 0.31-0.44) in the random effects model (I2 = 85.97%, P < 0.001). According to the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, and epiglottis (VOTE) scoring system, major risk factors for surgical failure included circumferential collapse at the velum, lateral wall collapse and small tonsils at the oropharynx, anterior-posterior lingual collapse and complete collapse at the tongue base. High body mass index and large preoperative apnea hypopnea index were also risk factors for OSA surgical failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Upper airway surgery guided by DISE in patients with OSA had a low failure rate of 37%. DISE can identify obstruction sites associated with surgical failure and guide single-level and multi-level surgeries.

The influence of different application patterns of propofol on the sedation courses during drug-induced sleep endoscopy

Objective

The course of sedation during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) depends on the application pattern of the sedative drug. The depth of sedation should imitate light and deep sleep as well. Moreover, there should be as many breathing cycles as possible available for observation during light and deep sedation. The aim of the study was to evaluate different rates of propofol application with respect to the achieved depth and length of the course of sedation.

Methods

Sixty-three consecutive patients with obstructive sleep apnea and/or snoring undergoing DISE were randomly sedated by propofol perfusion at seven different application patterns: 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22 mg/kg/h (0.233, 0.267, 0.3, 0.317, 0.333, 0.367 mg/kg/min) per perfusor and individual bolus application 10 mg each. Sedation depth was monitored by BiSpectral Index™ (BIS). The influence of baseline parameters and the courses of sedation were analyzed.

Results

The application rate was the only factor that influenced the depth of sedation. Basic parameters (gender, age, body mass index, apnea-hypopnea index) had no influence on the depth of sedation. The sedation depth was dependent on the rate of propofol application. Regimes at 14 and 16 mg/kg/h as well as bolus application did not reach BIS levels below 50 representing deep sleep. Propofol doses of more than 20 mg/kg/h led to rapid decreases of sedation levels below deep sleep niveau. Propofol rates between 18 and 20 mg/kg/h enable BIS levels below 50 representing deep sleep and providing enough breathing cycles for observation.

Conclusion

Lower application rates of propofol provide slower courses of sedation and shallower depths of sedation. A rate of 14 mg/kg/h might be appropriate to reach a sedation plateau at light sleep. A rate of 18 mg/kg/h leads to a sedation, corresponding to deep sleep. The combination of both rates might be a suitable pattern for performing sedation-controlled DISE.

Level of evidence

2: Randomized trial.

Evaluation of modified coblation endoscopic lingual lightening in multilevel surgery for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome: an open intervention study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified coblation endoscopic lingual lightening to address retrolingual obstruction in multilevel surgery for obstructive sleep apneae (OSA).

METHODS

Patients with OSA due to retropalatal and retrolingual obstructions were enrolled. Group 1 consisted of patients who underwent modified coblation endoscopic lingual lightening combined with H-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, while group 2 comprised patients treated by H-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty alone. Objective parameters and subjective evaluations were recorded preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation) apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) declined from 51.5 (18.9) to 14.3 (7.2) in group 1, and from 51.7 (15.8) to 28.5 (16.9) in group 2. The mean (standard deviation) percentage change in AHI was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (73.2 [10.9] vs. 48.9 [22.4], P < 0.01). The surgical response rate differed significantly between groups 1 and 2 (88.5 [23/26] vs. 46.7 [14/30], P < 0.01). Other outcomes, including the lowest oxygen saturation, Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, snoring visual analog scale score, and subjective improvement rate, were also significantly better in group 1 than in group 2.

CONCLUSION

Without increasing complications, modified coblation endoscopic lingual lightening significantly improved surgical outcomes as part of multilevel surgery in patients with OSA due to multilevel obstruction.

The effect of drug-induced sleep endoscopy on surgical outcomes for obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is the most widespread diagnostic tool for upper-airway endoscopic evaluation of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, a consensus on the effectiveness of DISE on surgical outcomes is still lacking. This study aimed to quantify the effect of DISE on surgical outcomes and to compare DISE with awake examination using the Müller Maneuver (MM).

METHODS

This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Published studies from the last 30 years were retrieved from the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and PubMed databases. Studies comparing DISE with awake examination, or MM were included. Surgical success rate was defined according to Sher's criteria, achieving a postoperative apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) value < 20 events per hour and a 50% improvement from preoperative AHI. Outcomes are presented in terms of surgical success, pre- and postoperative AHI, Epworth sleepiness score (ESS), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and lowest oxygen saturation (LOS).

RESULTS

This review included 8 studies comprising 880 patients. DISE group showed a higher LOS increase, ODI decrease, ESS decrease than non-DISE group (6.83 ± 3.7 versus 3.68 ± 2.9, p<0.001; 19.6 ± 11.2 versus 12.6 ± 10.4, p<0.001; 6.72 ± 4.1 versus 3.69 ± 3.1, p<0.001). Differences in surgical success rate were significant only between DISE and MM (64.04% versus 52.48%, p = 0.016). AHI decrease resulted higher in non-DISE than in DISE group (39.92 ± 24.7 versus 30.53 ± 21.7, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Results of this systematic review suggest that the evidence is mixed regarding a positive effect of DISE on surgical outcomes.

Understanding Correlation of Polysomnography Parameters with Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The aim of this study was to analyze drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) findings performed in 64 patients and to evaluate the association of DISE findings with PSG parameters. This retrospective, single center, observational study included patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) who have undergone DISE as part of surgical planning. DISE was performed using dexmedetomidine infusion. The data were documented as per VOTE (velum, oropharynx, tongue base and epiglottis) classification. The patient characteristics and level 2 Polysomnography (PSG) findings were analyzed with DISE findings. Among 62 patients, mean AHI and lowest oxygen saturation levels were 39.68 ± 27.59 and 78.36 ± 9.38, respectively. Mean ESS, SSS and PSQI levels were 10.74 ±  - 4.96, 7.73 ±  - 1.52, and 8.92 +/- 4.99, respectively. A Single level of obstruction was observed in 4.8% patients, followed by 40.3%, 43.5%, and 11.3% were found to have 2, 3, and 4 levels of obstruction, respectively. All patients had palatal involvement, followed by the oropharyngeal (88.7%), the tongue base (59.7%), and the epiglottis (12.9%) obstruction. There was no significant correlation between partial collapse at velopharynx with AHI. However, complete collapse at the level of the oropharynx (p < 0.05) and the tongue base (p < 0.001) showed a statistically significant association with AHI. Also, a significant correlation was observed between the number of sites and AHI Grade (p < 0.0001). The study helps to understand the association of different patterns and degrees of anatomical obstruction in OSA with different PSG parameters. PSG and DISE findings are complimentary to each other in treatment planning and selection of surgical procedures.

Use of Ultrasound to Verify the Impact of Telemedicine Myofunctional Therapy on Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Study Protocol Proposal

The anatomy of the upper airways influences the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The size of soft tissue structures, such as the tongue, soft palate, and lateral walls of the pharynx, contributes to the pathogenesis of OSA. New lines of treatment for sleep apnea, such as myofunctional therapy (MT), aim to strengthen the oropharyngeal musculature to improve the defining parameters of apnea. The present protocol uses ultrasound imaging to measure the size of the lingual musculature non-invasively and cost-effectively and evaluates the changes in its morphology. Eligible patients include those with OSA who have undergone submental cervical ultrasound and drug-induced sleep endoscopy before starting MT with the AirwayGym app. Follow-up evaluations are conducted at 3 months after beginning treatment. Patients diagnosed with OSA via questionnaires and polysomnography or respiratory polygraphy are evaluated anatomically and functionally using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument, a tongue digital spoon, somnoscopy, and submental cervical ultrasound to assess their responses to the AirwayGym app. The lingual thickness (mm) and volume (cm3) and the distance between both lingual arteries (mm) are measured. The AirwayGym app helps users and therapists monitor the patient performance of MT. Incorporating submental ultrasound can be a useful non-invasive tool to evaluate OSA and MT.

A Critical Analysis of Pharyngeal Patterns of Collapse in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Beyond the Endoscopic Classification Systems

(1) Background: Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) enables the three-dimensional and dynamic visualization of the upper airway (UA) during sleep, which is useful in selecting the best treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, particularly for surgical procedures. Despite international consensus statements or position papers, a universally accepted DISE methodology and classification system remain a controversial open question. (2) Methods: A review of the English scientific literature on DISE related to endoscopic classification systems and surgical outcome predictors (3) Results: Of the 105 articles, 47 were included in the analysis based on their content's relevance to the searched keywords. (4) Conclusions: A final report and scoring classification system is not universally accepted; the most internationally applied endoscopic classification system during DISE does not cover all patterns of events that occur simultaneously during the endoscopic examination, highlighting that several configurations of collapse and obstruction at different UA levels could be observed during DISE, which should be described in detail if DISE has to be considered in the decision-making process for the UA surgical treatment in OSA patients and if DISE has to have a role as a predictive factor for surgical outcomes analysis.

Characteristics and Mechanism of Upper Airway Collapse Revealed by Dynamic MRI During Natural Sleep in Patients with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Purpose

Upper airway collapse during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a complex and dynamic phenomenon. By observing and analyzing the dynamic changes in the upper airway and its surrounding tissues during airway obstruction, we aim to reveal dynamic characteristics in different obstruction patterns, and the relationship between anatomical features during normal breathing and dynamic characteristics of airway obstruction.

Patients and Methods

Dynamic MRI was performed in 23 male patients (age range 26-63) with severe OSA diagnosed by overnight polysomnography, and obstruction events were identified from their images. Dynamic changes in parameters of the upper airway and surrounding tissues were measured to assess the key characteristics in different obstruction patterns.

Results

We categorized airway obstruction into four types based on the obstruction location and motion characteristics of tissues during collapse, and detailed the alterations in the airway and surrounding tissues under each obstruction pattern. In all 112 obstruction events extracted from the dynamic images of 23 patients, type A (retropalatal obstruction caused by the soft palate separated from the tongue), BI, BII (both retropalatal obstructions caused by the soft palate attached to the tongue, and C (retropalatal and retroglossal obstruction caused by the soft palate and the tongue), accounted for 28.6%, 44.6%, 12.5%, and 14.3% respectively. In severe OSA patients with tongue and palatal obstruction related to type B or C, the more posterior hyoid position, shorter distance between tongue and uvula, and wider retropalatal space, the larger the tongue displacement and deformation during collapse, and the greater the reduction in airway space.

Conclusion

There are multiple airway obstruction patterns, each with its own anatomical characteristics and behaviors during collapse. Hyoid position, tongue and uvula distance, and retropalatal space play an important role in airway collapse and should be paid more attention in the treatment of OSA.

Predictors of Success of Pharyngeal Surgery in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Narrative Review

(1) Background: This narrative review aims to explore the predictors of success for pharyngeal surgery in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). An extensive literature search was conducted, identifying relevant studies published up to June 2023, utilizing various databases and key search terms related to OSA, surgical interventions, and predictors of success. The review encompasses both retrospective and prospective studies, case series, and cohort studies to provide a broad understanding of the topic; (2) Methods: Review of English scientific literature on phenotypes of OSA related to predictors of success of pharyngeal surgery; (3) Results: Of 75 articles, 21 were included, in these the following were determined to be factors for surgical success: body mass index (BMI) (8 articles), apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) (8 articles), cephalometry (8 articles), palatine tonsil size (7 articles), Modified Mallampati score (2 articles), genioglossus electromyography (2 articles), Friedman score or upper airway anatomy (3 articles), nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (2 articles), drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) (1 article), oral cavity anatomy (1 article) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) (1 article); (4) Conclusions: The lack of standardized protocols for the indication of pharyngeal surgery is a reality, however identifying known predictors of surgical success may facilitate homogenizing indications.

Patients' caring experience during procedures under regional anesthesia in Mainland China: A phenomenology study

Background

Although regional anesthesia is common, the procedure results in feelings of uncertainty and anxiety in some patients. Increased care is needed for these patients under general anesthesia. Few studies have focused on the intraoperative caring experience of patients during regional anesthesia. This study focused on the caring experience of patients during procedures involving regional anesthesia.

Methods

The descriptive phenomenology method of Husserl was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample in five Grade III-A hospitals in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province. The seven-step analysis method of Colaizzi was applied for the analysis, summation, and theme refinement of the interview data.

Results

A total of 14 patients from five hospitals participated in the interviews. Four domains and 16 themes emerged during analysis: be informed (about the operation site, progression of the operation, informed in advance, receive explanation for abnormal experience); take care of my body (painless, gentle movements, special care); be protected (work seriously, favorable atmosphere, skilled, authority); and treated as an individual (pay attention, accompany, ask for opinions, encourage patient expression, humorous).

Conclusion

Patients during procedure under regional anesthesia had specific caring experiences relative to other patients. Medical staff should recognize the importance of regional anesthesia patients' intraoperative caring experience. Hospital administrators should offer support to allow healthcare staff to provide targeted caring for patients during procedure under regional anesthesia.

Efficacy of high-flow nasal oxygen during drug-induced sleep endoscopy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

PURPOSE

High-flow nasal oxygenation (HFNO) can provide a low level of continuous positive airway pressure and alveolar recruitment. We aimed to compare the efficacy of pre-oxygenation with HFNO and low-flow nasal oxygenation (LFNO) during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).

METHODS

In the LFNO group, preoxygenation was performed for 10 min at 3 L·min-1. In the HFNO group, preoxygenation was performed for 10 min at 30 L·min-1 at a fraction of inspired oxygen of 100% using the Optiflow device. From the start of sedative administration to the end of DISE, vital signs were monitored continuously. The primary outcome was the lowest oxygen saturation (SpO2) during DISE.

RESULTS

Of 24 patients enrolled, 12 were randomly assigned to the LFNO and 12 to the HFNO groups. The prevalence of hypoxia events was 75% in the LFNO group and 58% in the HFNO group. The difference in lowest oxygen saturation between the two groups was not significant between the two groups (P=0.665). The lowest SpO2 during all procedures was comparable between the two groups (86.8 ± 6.5% in the LFNO group and 87.2 ± 8.0% in the HFNO group; P=0.912).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that HFNO may not be superior to LFNO as a preoxygenation tool to prevent hypoxia during DISE.

The relationship between bi-spectral index and VOTE score in evaluation of drug-induced sleep endoscopy: A systematic meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate both the presence and severity of collapse in anatomical regions defined by the VOTE score (velum, orofarinx, tongue, and epiglottis), during drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, based on the bi-spectral index (BIS) sedation level.

METHODS

In order to conduct a meta-analysis of articles examining the relationship between the VOTE score and BIS sedation level in determining the presence and severity of upper airway collapse during DISE, a literature review was performed.

RESULTS

As a result of the search made in the specified databases, a total of 1864 articles were reached. Five articles included in this review that had sufficient statistical data to be included in the meta-analysis were found. A statistically significant correlation was found between the BIS sedation level and the areas of obstruction in the VOTE score. The strongest association is at the epiglottis level, followed by the velum, oropharynx, and tongue, respectively (CC: 0.639, CC: 0.53, CC: 0.49, and CC: 0.346, P < .001). In the subgroup analysis of publications with BIS sedation levels in the range of 60 to 65, the distribution in the epiglottis region was heterogeneous, and it was found to be statistically significant according to the random effect model (P < .001). The distribution in the tongue was homogeneous, and it was found to be statistically significant according to the fixed effect model (P < .001). When the publications in which the BIS sedation level is in the range of 65 to 75 are examined according to the areas of obstruction; the distribution in 4 anatomical regions was homogeneous and statistically significant according to the fixed effect model (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

It was found that BIS sedation levels during DISE application in obstructive sleep apnea patients were associated with obstruction of the anatomical regions of the upper airway. The strongest association was found at the epiglottis level, followed by the velum, oropharynx, and tongue, respectively. It is helpful to monitor the sedation level with BIS in order to better define the collapsed areas during DISE application. However, more studies are needed to better understand the relationship between BIS sedation values and sleep stages.

Role of ApneaGraph® in the Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

AIM

To evaluate the utility of ApneaGraph® AG 200 in diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) as compared to Polysomnography, localization of the site of upper airway obstruction, and the success rate of surgery.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted including fifteen patients of OSA undergoing surgical treatment. All patients underwent sequential overnight ApneaGraph (AG) and Polysomnogram (PSG) before and after 3 months following surgery. The preoperative and post-operative Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) values were compared between AG and PSG. The success of surgery was defined as mean reduction in AHI by ≥ 50% and post-operative AHI < 20.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative AHI using PSG was 53.7 and using AG was 44.9 (r = 0.83, p = 0.0001). All patients underwent AG-directed site-specific surgery. The mean postoperative AHI using PSG was 15.3 and using AG was 13.8 (r = 0.67, p = 0.0062). There was significant improvement in AHI post-surgery (p < 0.05, AG & PSG). The surgical success was achieved in 93.3%. The median follow-up was 14 months.

CONCLUSION

ApneaGraph is a reliable alternative to PSG to diagnose OSA with an added advantage to localize the site of obstruction, yielding good surgical outcomes.

Comparative Efficacy of Velopharyngeal Surgery Techniques for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review

Background: In recent years, surgical interventions for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have evolved rapidly, with numerous techniques described in the literature. The approach to velopharyngeal surgery for obstructive sleep apnea has transformed over time, shifting from an aggressive removal of redundant excess soft tissue to less invasive reconstruction techniques that aim to preserve pharyngeal function while effectively managing sleep apnea. This review aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the surgical techniques utilized for OSA at the level of the palate and pharynx. It will cover both traditional and novel procedures. Methods: A comprehensive search of the major databases, such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus, was conducted to identify the relevant literature. We included articles written in English that analyzed the outcomes of adult patients who received velopharyngeal surgery for sleep apnea. Only comparative studies that examined at least two techniques were considered. Results: In all of the studies combined, the total number of patients who underwent velopharyngeal surgery was 614 in eight studies. All surgical procedures resulted in improvements in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). The highest success rates and best outcomes were achieved by barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP) in most studies, ranging from 64.29% to 86.6%. BRP also demonstrated the most significant improvements in both objective and subjective parameters closely followed by ESP that obtained similar efficiency in some studies, especially when combined with anterior palatoplasty (AP), but with a higher incidence of complications. While LP showed moderate efficiency compared with BRP or ESP, the UPPP techniques exhibited greater outcome variability among studies, with a success rate ranging from 38.71% to 59.26%, and the best results observed in a multilevel context. Conclusions: In our review, BRP was the most preferred, effective, and safe among all velopharyngeal techniques, closely followed by ESP. However, older described techniques also showed good results in well-selected patients. Larger-scale studies, preferably prospective, that rigorously incorporate DISE-based strict inclusion criteria might be needed to assess the efficacy of different techniques and generalize the findings.

Comparing Diagnostic Efficacy of Imaging During Muller's Maneuver Versus Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic efficacy of quantitative computed tomography (CT) based upper airway analysis using the Muller's maneuver (MM) and compare the findings with drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). A prospective observational study was conducted on 50 adult patients with symptoms of OSA and having apnoea-hypopnea index more than 5. They further underwent CT during normal breathing and during MM; findings of which were compared with DISE. Collapse at velum had statistically significant correlation with collapse at retropalatal level in CT (in MM) (P value = 0.001; r = 0.536). Base of tongue in DISE correlates significantly with retroglossal collapse on CT (P value = 0.002; r = 0.423). Epiglottic and oropharyngeal collapse had no correlation with any CT parameter. Collapse in CT as measured during MM shows significant correlation with DISE findings at velum and tongue base but cannot solely predict all levels without the aid of DISE.

Role of DISE in the surgical outcome for patients with obstructive sleep apnea

PURPOSE

To investigate and compare the surgical outcomes of DISE and non-DISE-guided surgery in cases with obstructive sleep apnea.

METHODS

Sixty-three patients with severe OSA and BMI ≤35 kg/m² were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into group A where surgical intervention was performed without DISE, and group B where surgery was planned according to the findings of DISE.

RESULTS

In group A, the mean AHI, LO₂, and Snoring index showed a highly significant improvement (P < 0.0001). Group B had highly significant improvements as regards PSG data (P < 0.0001). High significant differences exist when comparing the operative time of both groups (P < 0.0001). On comparing the success rates in both groups, no statistically significant differences were reported (p = 0.6885).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative topo-diagnosis with DISE does not significantly affect the surgical outcomes in OSA. Primary OSA cases could benefit from a no-DISE cost-effective surgical protocol that entails multilevel surgical interventions in a reasonable time.

Is drug-induced sleep endoscopy associated with better outcomes after soft tissue surgery for sleep apnea? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to estimate the effect of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) on surgical outcomes after soft tissue surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

DESIGN AND SETTING

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients with OSA and candidates for soft tissue surgery, with and without preoperative DISE, were included.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

A systematic literature search of Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases was performed from inception to December 31, 2021. Studies directly comparing patients with and without preoperative DISE were included. Success rate, change in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), change in minimum SpO₂ and change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score were extracted. Random-effect models were used to pool estimates.

RESULTS

Seven out of 619 articles were included, representing 791 patients (389 in the DISE group and 402 in the no DISE group). DISE was neither associated with a higher success rate (pooled OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.69-2.59, p = 0.39) after soft tissue surgery for OSA, nor a significant change in AHI (-4.69 events/hour, 95% CI -11.10 to 1.72, p = 0.15), minimal SpO₂ (mean increase of 2.02%, 95% CI -0.26 to 4.29, p = 0.08) and ESS (mean difference of 1.29, 95% CI -0.48 to 3.05, p = 0.15) when compared to patients without preoperative DISE.

CONCLUSIONS

Soft tissue surgery does not give better results after DISE compared to when DISE is not performed. However, given the overall low level of evidence of included studies, future well-conducted studies should confirm or overturn these results and clarify the added value of DISE.

Palatal Coupling Maneuvers Do Not Predict Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Treatment Efficacy

OBJECTIVE(S)

Maneuvers during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), have been used as predictors for success with oral appliances. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) promotes opening at the velum through palatoglossus coupling. In this study, we evaluate maneuvers during DISE as predictors for HGNS treatment efficacy.

METHODS

We evaluated patients undergoing HGNS between November, 2014 and February, 2021. We assessed maneuvers including jaw thrust and chin lift during preoperative DISE. The impact of tongue base and palatal opening during these maneuvers were rated from 1 to 4 (1: no improvement, 2: mild improvement, 3: moderate improvement, 4: significant improvement). Patients were grouped by a score of 1-2 (weak response) or 3-4 (strong response). Apnea hypopnea index (AHI) change was calculated from the difference between preoperative and postoperative sleep study.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy one patients were included. With jaw thrust, there was no significant difference in AHI change between patients with weak or strong response at the palate (n = 68 vs. 94, 9.5 vs. 13.6, p = 0.21) or tongue base (n = 24 vs. 138, 16.6 vs. 11.3, p = 0.24). On chin lift, there was no significant difference at the palate (n = 82 vs. 18, 13.9 vs. 11.4, p = 0.63) or tongue base (n = 92 vs. 72, 10.8 vs. 14.6, p = 0.24). On multiple linear regression analysis, lower body mass index, higher preoperative AHI, and higher preoperative oxygen nadir were associated with a larger AHI change.

CONCLUSION

Palatal coupling maneuvers during DISE are not predictive of AHI change with HGNS. Findings using these maneuvers should not preclude HGNS candidacy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 133:431-436, 2023.

Sleep Endoscopy with Positive Airway Pressure: A Method for Better Compliance and Individualized Treatment of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

In this study, we aimed to observe the effects of positive airway pressure (PAP) on individual levels of obstruction during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) of the upper airways (UA), to evaluate at which pressures the obstruction disappeared or worsened, and to identify cases in which PAP was ineffective. This prospective study was conducted from June 2018 to June 2022. PAP testing was performed during DISE in patients with moderate and severe OSA. The pressure was gradually increased over the range from 6.0 to 18.0 hPa. Our findings were evaluated using the VOTE classification. The examination was performed in 56 patients, with a median apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 26.4. Complete obstruction of the soft palate was observed in 51/56 patients (91%), oropharyngeal obstruction in 15/56 patients (27%), tongue base obstruction in 23/56 patients (41%), and epiglottic collapse in 16/56 patients (29%). PAP was most effective in cases of complete oropharyngeal obstruction, and least effective in cases of epiglottic collapse, where it was ineffective in 11/16 patients. DISE with PAP is a simple diagnostic method that can be helpful for identifying anatomic and dynamic reasons for PAP intolerance. The main indication is ineffective PAP treatment.

The clinical application progress and potential of drug-induced sleep endoscopy in obstructive sleep apnea

Background and Objective: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterized by nocturnal repetitive upper airway (UA) collapse. For sleep physicians, the recognition of UA collapse characteristics is critical for understanding OSA mechanisms and developing individualized treatment plans. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is an exam during simulated sleep that allows the dynamic assessment of the UA of individuals with OSA. The initial recognition of DISE was to locate the sites of UA obstruction and direct the surgical selection of OSA since it was introduced in the 1990s. After approximately 30 years of studies, based on advances in endoscopic operative techniques and innovative treatments of OSA, DISE had been performed to explore mechanisms and comprehensive treatments related to UA collapse. Methods: This article reviewed contemporary DISE advances, including indications and contraindications, technique of induced sleep, endoscopic operation, UA characteristics classification.Results and Conclusions: Precise selection based on the association between collapse patterns and treatment modalities, such as continuous positive airway pressure, oral appliance, positional therapy, robotic surgery and neurostimulator implanting, is the future research prospect based on DISE.Key messagesDISE provides sleep physicians with valuable information about the upper airway collapse characteristics and dynamic changes during sleep.The studies based on DISE findings improve the selectivity and efficiency of treatment modalities, including classical therapies such as continuous positive airway pressure, oral appliance, positional therapy, and innovative therapies such as neurostimulator implanting and robotic surgery, promote the advancement of OSA precision medicine.

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy effect on intraoperative decision making in pediatric sleep surgery: A 2-year follow up

Objective

To further demonstrate sleep endoscopy's utility in improving surgical outcomes for pediatric OSA.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of surgically naïve patients <18 years old with diagnosed moderate-severe OSA who underwent DISE at the time of initial sleep surgery. Patients included in final analysis had both preoperative and postoperative polysomnograms. Surgical success was defined as an oAHI decrease by at least one diagnostic category. Residual OSA was defined as any patient with postoperative oAHI >1.

Results

A total of 106 patients had preoperative and postoperative polysomnograms. Patients with comorbidities comprised 53.8% of the group. Average BMI% was 88.2, with 75.5% classified as obese. The most common area of collapse was the base of tongue, occurring in 32.1% of patients. There was a statistically significant decrease from the mean preoperative oAHI of 29.7 to the mean postoperative oAHI of 6.6 (p < 0.001). Surgical success occurred in 76.4% of patients. A postoperative oAHI of <5 was achieved in 57.7% of patients with moderate or severe OSA. The average BMI% of patients who met surgical success was 86.4, while the average BMI% of patients who did not was 90.8. A postoperative oAHI of <5 was achieved in 68.4% of patients with a BMI% < 85, compared with 55.2% of patients with a BMI% ≥ 85.

Conclusion

This study supports the utilization of DISE during initial surgery for severe sleep apnea in the pediatric population. It was found to effectively aid in significantly reducing surgically naïve patients' mean oAHI.

Level of Evidence

Level III.

Sleep endoscopy as a complementary diagnostic method for snoring and sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by complete or incomplete and recurrent upper airway collapse induced by sleep. Several diagnostic methods for obstructive sleep apnea are used, but only sleep endoscopy allows an endoscopic assessment of pharyngeal collapse during sedation. It is essential to carry out sleep endoscopy following a systematic institutional protocol, in preestablished stages, to ensure better reproducibility and reliability of the results found. Sleep endoscopy has few limitations and is a safe test, with a low risk of complications.

Guidelines of the French Society of ENT (SFORL): Drug-induced sleep endoscopy in adult obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To determine the indications, anesthesiological and surgical procedure and interest of drug-induced sleep endoscopy in the treatment of adult obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

DESIGN

A redactional committee of 17 experts was set up. Conflicts of interest were disclosed and followed up throughout the process of drawing up the guidelines. The work received no funding from any firm dealing in health products (drugs or devices). The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) method was applied to assess the quality of the data on which the guidelines were founded. It was stressed that strong recommendations should not be made on the basis of poor-quality or insufficient data.

METHODS

The committee studied 29 questions on 5 topics: indications and contraindications, anesthetic technique, surgical technique, interpretation and reporting of results, and management guided by results.

RESULTS

Expert review and application of the GRADE method led to 30 guidelines: 10 with high level of evidence (Grade 1+ or 1-), 19 with low level (GRADE 2+ or 2-) and 1 expert opinion.

CONCLUSION

Experts fully agreed on the strong guidelines formalizing the indications and modalities of drug-induced sleep endoscopy for adult obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

In-hospital survival paradox in patients with sleep apnea-A nation-wide nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

Sleep apnea (SA) is a prevalent disorder characterized by recurrent events of nocturnal apnea originating from obstructive and/or central mechanisms. SA disrupts normal sleep and can lead to a series of complications when left untreated. SA results in intermittent hypoxia which has an impact on the cardio- and cerebrovascular system. Hospitalized patients with SA typically have a greater burden of comorbidity, a longer length of hospital stay, but may show an improvement of in-hospital mortality compared to patients without diagnosed SA. The reason for this survival benefit is controversial and we aimed to clarify this protective effect in the light of predictive factors including SA-associated comorbidities using a nation-wide hospitalization database.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Data were extracted from a nation-wide hospitalization database provided by the Swiss Federal Office for Statistics. Hospitalized patients with a SA co-diagnosis were extracted from the database together with a 1:1-matched control population without SA. Overall, 212'581 patients with SA were hospitalized in Switzerland between 2002 and 2018. Compared to the controls, SA cases had a longer median length of hospital stay (7 days; 95% CI: 3 to 15 vs. 4 days; 95% CI: 2 to 10) (p < 0.001) and a higher median number of comorbidities (8 comorbidities; IQR: 5 to 11 vs. 3 comorbidities; IQR: 1 to 6) (p < 0.001). The risk of in-hospital mortality was lower in the SA cases compared to the controls (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.7 to 0.76; p < 0.001). SA was associated with a survival benefit in hospitalizations related to 28 of 47 conditions with the highest rate of in-hospital death. Sixty-three comorbidities were significantly over-represented in SA cases among which obesity, hypertension and anatomic nasal deviations were associated with a significant decrease of in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to matched controls, SA was associated with significant and relevant inpatient survival benefit in a number of most deadly conditions. Within SA-patients, associated comorbidities mostly correlated with a poorer prognosis, whereas obesity and hypertension were associated with an improved in-hospital mortality.

Is there an association between EMG activity and temporomandibular disorders during orthotic mandibular advancement in sleep apnea patients undergoing DISE?

OBJECTIVE

To detect whether myotatic reflex activation of masticatory muscles during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) can be an indirect marker for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

OSA patients were prospectively recruited and underwent a complete TMD examination prior to undergoing DISE with the addition of electrodes applied over masticatory muscles. A positive activation of myotatic reflex was considered in case of an increase in muscle tone of at least 50%.

RESULTS

Of the 41 patients included, 48.8% presented activation of myotatic reflex. Of these patients, 45% presented a TMD diagnosis, 40% presented pain at masticatory muscles palpation, and 15% did not report pain during clinical examination.

CONCLUSION

An increase in EMG activity during mandibular advancement is not associated with TMD presence, but it can be an indirect marker of pain in the orofacial area in OSA patients.

Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy Versus Awake Endoscopy in Retrolingual Obstruction Assessment in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients: A Comparative Study

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation of retrolingual obstruction determined by drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and awake endoscopy evaluation of Muller maneuver (MM) and lingual tonsil hypertrophy (LTH) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.A prospective cohort of 100 patients with obstructive sleep apnea who underwent DISE was assessed. The inclusion criteria were age between 18 and 70 years, and apnea-hypopnea index higher than 5. Friedman staging, LTH and MM were determined by awake endoscopy, as other physical findings. The authors evaluated the correlation of retrolingual obstruction determined by DISE using velum oropharynx tongue, epiglottis (VOTE) and nose, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx (NOHL) classification.When retrolingual MM was assessed, significant changes between awake and DISE were observed (P = 0.000). Conversely, Friedman stage had no significant changes to DISE retrolingual findings (P = 0.868). Analyzing LTH and DISE retrolingual findings according to NOHL and VOTE, if a cutoff value was established at 50%, DISE findings differ from awake: NOHL (P < 0.001) and VOTE (P = 0.004). Nevertheless, if a restrictive cutoff at 75% was attached, DISE findings were similar to awake: NOHL (P = 0.124) and VOTE (P = 0.123).This study demonstrates that awake endoscopy determining LTH and Friedman stage is a mild predictor of collapse at retrolingual level, showing significant correlation to DISE only when severe retrolingual collapse is present. Our findings suggest that in-office awake endoscopy may have certain predictive value to select surgical patients.

Combination of Dexmedetomidine and Butorphanol Optimized Sedation in Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial

OBJECTIVE

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) allows for the evaluation of dynamic airway collapse in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. However, a standardized sedation regimen for DISE is not yet available. This study aimed to investigate the safety profiles and efficacies of dexmedetomidine combined with butorphanol for DISE.

METHODS

Sixty patients with obstructive sleep apnea scheduled to undergo DISE were randomly divided into Group D and Group DB. All recipients were initially given intravenous butorphanol (1 mg) (Group DB) or saline (Group D). Subsequently, both groups were sedated using a loading dose of 1.0 µg/kg/h of dexmedetomidine. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, the time to attain sufficient sedation, wakeup time, and adverse events during DISE were recorded.

RESULTS

Compared with Group D, the time until sufficient sedation and wakeup time in Group DB were significantly reduced. A higher performer satisfaction level was achieved in Group DB. Patients in Group DB showed a higher incidence of bradycardia compared with Group D. However, the bradycardia resolved spontaneously in both groups without any treatment. There was no instance of cough, hypotension, arrhythmia, nausea or vomiting in either group.

CONCLUSION

Compared to dexmedetomidine alone, a small dose of butorphanol infusion (1 mg) as an adjunct treatment to dexmedetomidine during DISE can reduce the dosage of dexmedetomidine, shorten the time until sufficient sedation and enhance the performer satisfaction level. This synergistic combination could be a promising sedation regimen for DISE in terms of procedural convenience and patient safety.

Diagnosis of upper airways collapse in moderate-to-severe OSAHS patients: a comparison between drug-induced sleep endoscopy and the awake examination

PURPOSE

Compare awake evaluation (modified Mallampati score-MMs, Müller maneuver-MM) to drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) findings according to NOHL (nose-oropharynx-hypopharynx-larynx) classification in moderate-to-severe OSAHS patients.

METHODS

43 moderate-to-severe OSAHS patients referred to our ENT department were enrolled over a 2-year period. In this observational prospective study, each patient was evaluated by the same ENT team both in wakefulness and during pharmacologically induced sleep. Level and severity of the obstruction were described.

RESULTS

The comparison of degree of collapsibility was statistically significative only at hypopharyngeal level: 41.8% of the patients showed a hypopharyngeal obstruction in wakefulness whereas 88.3% in DISE (p = 0.000). Laryngeal level was found in 18.6% patients during awake examination, conversely DISE demonstrated laryngeal obstruction in 4.6%. DISE identified significantly higher incidence of multilevel collapses (p = 0.001). However, the incidence of oropharyngeal obstruction in patients classified as MMs I and II was significantly higher in DISE compared to MM (p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

DISE is the best predictor of hypopharyngeal obstruction, whereas MM underestimates the severity of the collapse at this level. DISE is more reliable than MM to identify the obstruction in patients with MMs score I and II.

Effectiveness of drug-induced sleep endoscopy in improving outcomes of barbed pharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea surgery: a prospective randomized trial

PURPOSE

To observe the effectiveness of preoperative drug-induced sleep endoscopy in improving surgical results of patients undergoing single-level barbed pharyngoplasty surgery for OSA, using a prospective randomized model.

METHODS

A single-center randomized controlled trial with two prospective arms was carried out to compare functional results in patients treated with barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP) surgery without a preoperative drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) evaluation vs patients treated with BRP surgery performed after DISE evaluation of sites/patterns of collapse.

RESULTS

We compared 50 patients who underwent BRP without a preoperative DISE evaluation (Group A) and 42 patients (Group B) treated with BRP surgery but preoperatively selected by means of a preoperative DISE. In this second group of patients, after DISE evaluation, 70% of patients were selected for single-level BRP surgery because they showed an isolated velopharyngeal collapse at the DISE evaluation, without obstruction at other upper airway levels evaluated. Both groups of patients showed a statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative values of AHI, ODI, and LOS (p<0.05 in all cases). Comparing Group A and Group B patients, the therapeutic success rate was found to be 60% in patients treated without preoperative DISE evaluation and 83% in patients treated with preoperative DISE (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

DISE appears to improve the surgical results of single-level velopharyngeal surgery due to the possibility of excluding patients with obstruction of the base of the tongue, the hypopharynx, and the epiglottis/larynx.

One-Stage Multilevel Surgery for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

We report the results of one-stage multilevel upper airway surgery for patients who could not tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Patients treated with multilevel surgery at a University Hospital in 2015–2019 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. The inclusion criteria were aged 18–70 years, body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m², apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) > 20, and lingual tonsil hypertrophy grade 3 or 4. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy was performed before surgery in all patients. Multilevel surgery was performed in one stage and included expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (ESP), coblation tongue base reduction (CTBR), and partial epiglottectomy (PE) as required. The outcome measures were postoperative AHI, time percentage oxygen saturation < 90%, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score. A total of 24 patients were included: median age 49.1 years, average BMI 27.26 kg/m², and 90% men. Ten patients received ESP plus CTBR plus PE, eight received ESP plus CTBR, and six received ESP plus PE. The mean preoperative AHI was 33.01 at baseline and improved to 17.7 ± 13 after surgery (p < 0.05). The ESS score decreased from 11 ± 5.11 to 7.9 ± 4.94 (p < 0.05). The surgical success rate according to Sher’s criteria was 82.3%. The median follow-up was 23.3 months (range 12–36). These findings suggest that multilevel surgery is a safe and successful treatment of OSAHS.

Comparison of surgical outcomes of sleep surgeries preoperatively evaluated with drug-induced sleep endoscopy and Müller's maneuver

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare surgical outcomes for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) when the procedure was based on the results of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) vs. the awake Müller's maneuver (MM). Methods Forty-seven patients with OSA who underwent sleep surgery were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their preoperative upper airway evaluation method. Twenty-five patients received only MM for surgical decision making (MM group), and 22 patients received both MM and DISE (DISE group) for surgical decision making. Results The surgical success rate of the DISE group was higher than that of the MM group (59% vs. 36%), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.118). The differences between pre- and postoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) values in both the MM and DISE group were highly significantly different (p < 0.001). Fifteen patients in the DISE group (68.2%) received multi-level surgery, while in the MM group only 7 patients (28%) received multi-level surgery. Patients with more severe OSA (AHI > 22 or lowest O2 saturation < 81%) had better surgical outcomes when their surgical procedures were based on the findings of DISE, rather than those of MM. Conclusion The results indicate that DISE provides no benefits with respect to surgical outcomes for patients with mild to moderate OSA; however, for patients with more severe OSA surgical procedures based on DISE result in better outcomes.

The Use of Propofol versus Dexmedetomidine for Patients Receiving Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The sedation outcomes associated with dexmedetomidine compared with those of propofol during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) remains unclear. Electronic databases (i.e., the Cochrane controlled trials register, Embase, Medline, and Scopus) were searched from inception to 25 December 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the sedation outcomes with dexmedetomidine or propofol in adult patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) receiving DISE. The primary outcome was the difference in minimum oxygen saturation (mSaO2). Five RCTs (270 participants) published between 2015 and 2020 were included for analysis. Compared with dexmedetomidine, propofol was associated with lower levels of mSaO2 (mean difference (MD) = -7.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) -12.04 to -2.44; 230 participants) and satisfaction among endoscopic performers (standardized MD = -2.43, 95% CI -3.61 to -1.26; 128 participants) as well as a higher risk of hypoxemia (relative ratios = 1.82, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.76; 82 participants). However, propofol provided a shorter time to fall asleep and a lower risk of failed sedation compared with dexmedetomidine. No significant difference was found in other outcomes. Compared with propofol, dexmedetomidine exhibited fewer adverse effects on respiratory function and provided a higher level of satisfaction among endoscopic performers but was associated with an elevated risk of failed sedation.

Expert Consensus Statement: Pediatric Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy

OBJECTIVE

To develop an expert consensus statement on pediatric drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) that clarifies controversies and offers opportunities for quality improvement. Pediatric DISE was defined as flexible endoscopy to examine the upper airway of a child with obstructive sleep apnea who is sedated and asleep.

METHODS

Development group members with expertise in pediatric DISE followed established guidelines for developing consensus statements. A search strategist systematically reviewed the literature, and the best available evidence was used to compose consensus statements regarding DISE in children 0 to 18 years old. Topics with significant practice variation and those that would improve the quality of patient care were prioritized.

RESULTS

The development group identified 59 candidate consensus statements, based on 50 initial proposed topics, that focused on addressing the following high-yield topics: (1) indications and utility, (2) protocol, (3) optimal sedation, (4) grading and interpretation, (5) complications and safety, and (6) outcomes for DISE-directed surgery. After 2 iterations of the Delphi survey and removal of duplicative statements, 26 statements met the criteria for consensus; 11 statements were designated as no consensus. Several areas, such as the role of DISE at the time of adenotonsillectomy, were identified as needing further research.

CONCLUSION

Expert consensus was achieved for 26 statements pertaining to indications, protocol, and outcomes for pediatric DISE. Clinicians can use these statements to improve quality of care, inform policy and protocols, and identify areas of uncertainty. Future research, ideally randomized controlled trials, is warranted to address additional controversies related to pediatric DISE.

Positional awake nasoendoscopic pattern-based surgical decision for correction of retropalatal obstruction in OSA

PURPOSE

To evaluate differential surgical interventions for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with single-level retropalatal based on the preoperative topographical diagnosis using nasoendoscopy with Müller's maneuver during supine position (MM-P).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This case series included adult patients with OSA who showed a predominant single-level retropalatal collapse on MM-P. An anteroposterior pattern of collapse was managed by an anterior advancement procedure, while a transverse pattern of collapse was managed by lateral/anterolateral advancement procedures (double suspension sutures). A combined procedure was provided to the concentric type of collapse. All patients underwent evaluation of the polysomnography, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) values and snoring scores both preoperatively and 6-8 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Among 102 patients, the most commonly reported pattern of collapse at the retropalatal level was the concentric pattern (48.04%) followed by the transverse pattern (27.45%). The AP-pattern of collapse was reported in 24.51%. In the postoperative follow-up visits, no early or late complications were reported. All included groups showed significant improvement in polysomnographic data (mean AHI and lowest O₂ saturation level). Significant improvement of VAS of snoring was reported. The overall success rate was ˃90%.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative differential diagnosis of OSA with MM-P allows for tailored surgical management. Tailored procedures could yield good surgical outcomes when patients are properly selected and the technique is chosen according to preoperative topographical diagnostic assessment. This study might provide an available less-costly and effective preoperative planning for OSA intervention.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Prediction of Epiglottic Collapse in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients: Epiglottic Length

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the factors that contribute to epiglottic collapse (EC) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

This study enrolled 35 patients (34 males; median age, 39 years; median apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), 55.4 events/h; median body mass index (BMI), 26.9 kg/m²). EC (epiglottis attaching onto the posterior pharyngeal wall) was diagnosed by drug-induced sleep computed tomography (DI-SCT). Three dimensions were assessed for comparison between the EC and non-EC (NEC) groups that included anatomical measurement: epiglottic length and angle, endoscopic classification of epiglottis obstructing the glottis (Type I, none; Type II, partial; and Type III, total), and dynamic hyoid movement during DI-SCT (Δ hyoid = √(x² + y²), maximal displacement of hyoid in x and y axes during sleep breathing cycle).

RESULTS

EC was found in 12 patients (34%). No difference in age, gender, AHI, and BMI between the two groups was noted. The anatomical measurement revealed that epiglottis length was significantly different between the EC and NEC groups (21.2 vs 15.8 mm; p < 0.001), with a cutoff value of 16.6 mm (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 65.2%). The EC group patients showed larger hyoid movement than the NEC group patients (Δ hyoid, 4.8 vs 3.0 mm; p = 0.027). By contrast, epiglottic angle and endoscopic classification revealed an insignificant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Epiglottis is a potential collapse site among multilevel obstruction in moderate to severe OSA patients. Epiglottic length is highly sensitive in predicting EC, with the cutoff value of 16.6 mm. Hyoid movement plays a role in contributing to EC in OSA patients.

The Emerging Role of Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy in the Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway. Continuous positive airway pressure is the first-line therapy for most patients, but adherence is often poor. Alternative treatment options such as mandibular advancement devices, positional therapy, and surgical interventions including upper airway stimulation target different levels and patterns of obstruction with varying degrees of success. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy enables the visualization of upper airway obstruction under conditions mimicking sleep. In the era of precision medicine, this additional information may facilitate better decision-making when prescribing alternative treatment modalities, with the hope of achieving better adherence and/or success rates. This review discusses the current knowledge and evidence on the role of drug-induced sleep endoscopy in the non-positive airway pressure management of obstructive sleep apnea.

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy: techniques, interpretation and implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this article is to highlight recent advances in the burgeoning field of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).

RECENT FINDINGS

One of the first studies to investigate the correlation of DISE findings and natural sleep endoscopy found good agreement in clinically significant obstruction. Previous studies have shown good agreement of DISE findings with the use of different sedative agents implying that the choice of sedative may not be crucial. However, recent studies show variable patterns of collapse, especially at the tongue base, with the use of different sedative agents. A universally accepted classification scheme for drug-induced sleep endoscopy is lacking. A new DISE classification system, termed Palate, Tonsils, Lateral pharyngeal wall, Tongue base, Epiglottis, was introduced this year with the noted advantage of being able to better differentiate between clinically relevant tonsillar and lateral pharyngeal wall collapse. Despite recent advances in the field, there remains no general consensus that DISE findings predict surgical success but may aid in the identification of patients who will respond well to oral appliance therapy.

SUMMARY

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy is a structure-based evaluation of the upper airway that more closely resembles the natural sleep state compared with awake evaluation.

Comparison of Findings between Clinical Examinations and Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

The Velum, Oropharynx, Tongue base and Epiglottis (VOTE) classification on drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is used widely for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome, though research into comparative physical examinations with VOTE on DISE is still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the findings of physical examinations and DISE in patients with OSA. Fifty-five patients with OSA were enrolled in this retrospective study. All of the patients received clinical explorations including a Brodsky classification, a modified Mallampati score (MMS), a modified Friedman’s staging system, and a Muller’s test. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy was further evaluated in the operating room. There were significant relationships between Brodsky classification, modified Friedman’s staging system, Muller’s test and oropharynx collapse during DISE (p < 0.05). Brodsky classification, MMS, modified Friedman’s staging system and retropalatal lateral-to-lateral (L–L) collapse of Muller’s test were significantly correlated with VOTE count (p < 0.05). The concordance between VOTE under DISE and Brodsky classification or modified Friedman’s staging system was moderate. In contrast, the concordance between VOTE under DISE and MMS or Muller’s test was slight. The study revealed that Brodsky classification and Friedman staging had a significant relationship with DISE on the velum and oropharynx, but the level of tongue base is uncertain between DISE and MMS. Correlation of awake evaluation of tongue base is still not correlated to the DISE findings. Pre-treatment evaluation of DISE is still warranted.

Can drug-induced sleep endoscopy improve the success rates of tongue base surgery?

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the therapeutic value of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) by comparing the outcomes of tongue base surgery based on Muller’s maneuver (MM) and those based on DISE in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients.

Methods

Ninety-five patients who underwent the tongue base surgery in combination with palatal surgery for OSA at a tertiary referral hospital between March 2012 and March 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective comparative study. Forty-seven patients underwent MM for surgical decision and 48 patients underwent DISE in addition to MM for surgical decision. Surgical success was defined according to the Sher criteria (postoperative apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] < 20/h and ≥ 50% reduction in preoperative AHI), and AHI improvement (%) was defined as (preoperative AHI-postoperative AHI) × 100/preoperative AHI. For comparison between the MM and DISE groups, p-values were calculated using independent or paired t-tests for continuous variables and using chi-square test for categorical variables.

Results

By comparing the results of MM and DISE, consensus on the tongue base level showed insignificant concordance (kappa = 0.017, p = 0.865), whereas that on the oropharynx level showed fair agreement (kappa =0.241, p = 0.005). AHI, supine AHI, rapid eyeball movement (REM) AHI, non-REM AHI, and nadir oxygen saturation were all significantly improved after the tongue base surgery in both groups. The MM group showed a significant improvement in the Epworth sleepiness scale after the tongue base surgery (p = 0.014), whereas the DISE group did not (p = 0.165). However, there was no significant difference in the AHI improvement (MM group = 47.0 ± 32.0, DISE group = 48.3 ± 35.4, p = 0.852) and surgical success (MM group = 42.6%, DISE group = 45.8%, p = 0.748) between the groups. Tonsil grade (p < 0.05) and occlusion at the oropharynx lateral wall (p = 0.031) were significantly related to surgical success in the MM group.

Conclusions

In the judgment of the tongue base surgery, MM and DISE findings showed poor agreement. DISE might affect the surgical decision on the tongue base surgery in OSA patients; however, there was a lack of evidence regarding the superiority of DISE over MM with respect to the surgical outcomes.

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy: Evaluation of a Selection Tool for Treatment Modalities for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common disorder with important day and nighttime symptoms and long-term effects on health. Different treatment modalities such as positive airway pressure (PAP), oral appliance therapy using custom-made, titratable mandibular advancement devices (MAD), different types of surgery and positional therapy have been introduced over the years, with patient preference and adherence to therapy being key elements in improving treatment outcomes. Several patient selection tools to improve treatment outcomes have been introduced and evaluated over the years. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is a procedure that provides real-time upper airway evaluation of the sites of flutter and upper airway collapse. This review focuses on the indications and contraindications for DISE, methods of sedation and evaluation, add-on maneuvers, and the results on patient selection and treatment outcomes. A PICO approach was used to clarify the aims of this review. DISE has the advantage of being easily accessible in most ENT practices and being 3-dimensional, dynamic, site specific, safe and it is valuable in selecting patients for upper airway surgery and oral appliance therapy. There is a strong interest for further standardization and exploration of the predictive value of this evolving technique.

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Performed in the Endoscopy Suite: A Resource Utilization Analysis

Objectives

To analyze the resource utilization of performing drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) procedures in an endoscopy suite (ES) setting as compared with the operating room (OR).

Study Design

A retrospective review of DISE procedures performed by a single attending surgeon from 2016 to 2018.

Setting

Tertiary hospital.

Subjects and Methods

All patients undergoing sleep endoscopy without concurrent surgical procedures were included. No exclusion criteria were incorporated. Analysis assessed for differences in procedure-related expenditures, patient characteristics, anesthesia and surgeon time, and access to care.

Results

A total of 87 sleep endoscopies were included: 65 (74.7%) performed in the ES and 22 (25.3%) in the OR. Patient groups were similar in age and apnea-hypopnea index severity ( P > .05). Patient body mass index was significantly higher for the ES group ( P = .03). Total facility time, postoperative recovery time, anesthesia care time, and time in the surgical room were significantly decreased in the ES setting ( P < .01). Surgical time was similar between the groups ( P > .05). For ES procedures, total cost was reduced by 74% ( P < .01). DISE in the ES resulted in a mean $5080 less in health system charges versus the OR group ( P < .01). There were no treatment-related complications in either setting.

Conclusion

The resource utilization profile of performing DISE can be significantly improved by transferring these procedures from the OR to the ES setting.

Models of anatomically based oropharyngeal rehabilitation with a multilevel approach for patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-synthesis and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder associated with dysfunction of oropharyngeal muscles to maintain upper airway patency during sleep. Oropharyngeal rehabilitation (OPR) was developed to restore, reconstruct, and reeducate oropharyngeal muscle function, but current protocols and effectiveness of OPR have been inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to review (1) indications of OPR, (2) protocols of OPR, and (3) effectiveness of OPR.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library and then conducted both meta-synthesis and meta-analysis according to the statement of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA).

RESULTS

A total of eight studies with 203 patients were included. By means of meta-synthesis, the patients with middle age, BMI < 40 kg/m², mild-to-moderate OSA, and non-severe upper airway anatomical abnormality were found to benefit from OPR. The protocol of OPR was summarized to be an anatomically based, multilevel approach, including the retropalatal, retroglossal, hypopharyngeal, TMJ, and facial levels. By using meta-analysis, overall outcomes were presented as apnea hypopnea index (AHI) with significant improvement from 25.2 ± 7.8/h to 16.1 ± 6.6/h (mean difference [MD] - 9.8 [95% CI - 11.0 to - 8.6], p < 0.0001); the lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) improved from 80.2 ± 4.7 to 83.8 ± 2.9% (MD 3.0% [95% CI 2.0 to 4.0], p < 0.0001); Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) improved from 11.8 ± 1.9 to 6.3 ± 1.6 (MD - 5.9 [95% CI - 7.5 to - 4.2], p < 0.001), neck circumference (NC) from 35.2 ± 1.1 to 34.7 ± 0.9 cm (MD - 0.6 [95% CI - 0.9 to - 0.2], p = 0.002), BMI from 24.8 ± 3.7 to 24.8 ± 4.1 kg/m² (MD - 0.0; 95% CI - 0.5 to 0.5, p = 0.95). All outcomes except BMI demonstrated significant improvement from OPR.

CONCLUSIONS

Meta-analysis of previous OPR reports shows an improvement in AHI of 39%, compared with the usual surgical definition of success at 50%. Only mild and moderate cases of OSA were referred for OPR in the prior studies. In order to improve outcomes with OPR, a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation should be emphasized.

[Surgical treatment for obstructive sleep disordered breathing]

The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by repeated nocturnal pharyngeal collapse leading to poor-quality sleep and an increased risk of cardiovascular episodes. The classic management by continuous positive-pressure ventilation has its limitations and is not always well tolerated. The treatment alternative comprising an orthotic device is effective in 2/3 of cases, despite the dental limitations and risks inherent in long-term usage. Through a review of the literature, this paper describes the different surgical solutions used to correct obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in adults. The proposed corrections aim to maintain pharyngeal permeability during sleep either by reducing soft tissue volume or by enlarging the facial skeleton or, more recently, by acting on the tone of the pharyngeal dilator muscles. Among these different approaches, the highest success rate was reported for the maxillomandibular advancement procedure. This technique demands rigorous patient selection combined with an appropriate orthodontic work-up and management. Patient selection and the respective benefits and drawbacks of the different approaches are discussed. Indications are reported in the framework of current guidelines.

Robotic Tongue-Base Resection Combined With Tongue-Base Suspension for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Our primary objective was to evaluate the feasibility, morbidity, and efficacy of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) tongue-base resection (TBR) combined with tongue-base suspension (TBS) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with tongue-base collapse. Our secondary objective included evaluation of factors influencing treatment success.

STUDY DESIGN

Single-arm, prospective, observational cohort study.

METHODS

Patients were eligible if they had moderate-to-severe OSA (apnea hypopnea index [AHI] > 15) or positional OSA, had a tongue-base collapse and glossoptosis identified by drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), and failed continuous positive airway pressure. All patients underwent TORS-TBR combined with TBS. Additionally, concomitant epiglottoplasty, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, or expansion pharyngoplasty were performed based on DISE findings.

RESULTS

In total, 64 patients were enrolled in the trial. The mean age was 45.9 years, mean body mass index was 30.5 kg/m² , and mean AHI was 41.7 events/hour. The mean robotic surgical time, total volume of tongue-base tissue removed, and the length of hospital stay were 21.4 minutes, 15.16 mL, and 6.5 days, respectively. Postoperatively, almost all polysomnographic metrics improved significantly (AHI = 41.72 vs. 18.82 events/hour, lowest oxygen saturation = 80.43% vs. 85.14%, Epworth Sleepiness Scale = 10.49 vs. 4.09). The procedure provided an overall success rate of 75%, with minor morbidity. All patients experienced varying degrees of temporary lingual edema postoperatively. Tracheotomy was not required for any patient. Although no independent predictor of treatment success was determined, patients with more severe disease tend to exhibit lower response to the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

TORS-TBR combined with TBS is a feasible, safe, and efficient procedure for OSA with tongue-base collapse.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2285-2291, 2020.

Parapharyngeal fat pad area at the subglosso-supraglottic level is associated with corresponding lateral wall collapse and apnea-hypopnea index in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study

The aim of this study was to assess associations between fat pad areas at various anatomic levels and the sites of lateral wall collapse and disease severity in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Forty-one patients with OSA who prospectively underwent drug-induced sleep computed tomography were included. Areas of parapharyngeal fat pads and degrees of lateral wall collapse at three representative anatomic levels (nasopharynx, oropharynx, and subglosso-supraglottis), and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) were measured. In the subglosso-supraglottic region, the parapharyngeal fat pad area in 17 (41%) patients with complete lateral wall collapse was significantly larger than that in 24 (59%) patients without complete collapse (median, 236.0 mm² vs 153.0 mm²; P = 0.02). In multivariate regression analysis, the parapharyngeal fat pad area at the subglosso-supraglottic level (β = 0.02; P = 0.01) and body mass index (β = 3.24; P = 0.01) were independently associated with AHI. Our preliminary results supported that parapharyngeal fat pads at the subglosso-supraglottic level may be involved in the development of lateral wall collapse and then determine the severity of OSA. Further studies are warranted to investigate the effect of reducing parapharyngeal fat pads in the treatment of OSA.

Obstructive sleep apnea treatment in adults

Sleep-related breathing disorders are complex problems that decrease quality of life and increase morbidity and mortality in patients. Comprehensive evaluation is essential for selecting and planning obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatments. However, the many proposed OSA treatments are rarely compared in the literature. The literature on OSA consists largely of case series studies, and the paucity of controlled studies makes comparisons of OSA treatments difficult. This article provides a brief overview of the most common OSA interventions. Because of the controversies and unanswered questions about OSA treatments, further studies are needed to define what treatments are best for specific OSA patients.