The role of drug-induced sleep endoscopy in surgical planning for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

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.

Polysomnographic Findings Versus Degree of Obstruction During Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy and Muller's Maneuver

PURPOSE

To investigate associations between polysomnographic findings and the severity of upper airway obstructions during Muller's Maneuver (MM) and Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study. Adult patients newly diagnosed with OSAS in a tertiary sleep center were included consecutively and evaluated by polysomnography and MM. They then underwent DISE in an operating room. The associations between polysomnographic findings and the severity of upper airway obstructions during MM and DISE were assessed. Also, the degree and pattern of obstructions were compared using a modified VOTE questionnaire.

RESULTS

145 patients (mean age 41.5 ± 10.1 years) were enrolled. There were no associations between Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI), mean and lowest O2 saturation, and body mass index on the one hand, and obstruction degree in MM and DISE (p > 0.05). However, a significant positive correlation was observed between RDI and total VOTE scores in DISE and MM (r = 0.179, p = 0.031 and r = 0.221, p = 0.008 respectively). There were no differences between MM and DISE in diagnosing the degree of obstruction in the velum area (p = 0.687) and the epiglottis (p = 0.50). However, a significant difference was observed between the two techniques in the oropharynx lateral wall (p < 0.001) and tongue base (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Although there was no association between polysomnographic findings and the severity of obstruction in MM and DISE for the separate levels of the upper airway, obstruction severity may be assessed more accurately by total VOTE score, which is representative of RDI severity.

The Application of Ultrasound to Quantify Hyoid Motion During Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy

INTRODUCTION

The significance of hyoid dynamics in OSA pathophysiology remains unclear. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is often used for evaluating patients intolerant to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. We performed DISE with concurrent hyoid-focused ultrasonography to quantify hyoid dynamics during obstructive and non-obstructive breathing.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis from a prospective cohort of patients undergoing DISE with PAP titration (DISE-PAP) and hyoid-focused ultrasound was conducted. Hyoid ultrasound was performed during obstructive breathing, and non-obstructive breathing after PAP administration. Motion was quantified by generating displacement curves based on echo-tracking hyoid movement. The image analysis protocol for quantifying hyoid displacement was performed independently by two researchers, and reliability of measures was assessed. Univariate and multivariate regressions were performed for various clinical data and hyoid displacement during obstructive breathing.

RESULTS

Twenty patients met inclusion criteria. On average, the cohort was male (75%), elderly (65.9 ± 10 years), overweight (29.3 ± 3.99 kg/m2 ), and with moderate-to-severe OSA (29.3 ± 12.5 events/h). Mean hyoid displacement during obstructive breathing was 5.81 mm (±3.48). In all patients, hyoid displacement decreased after PAP administration (-3.94 mm [95% CI: -5.10, -2.78]; p < 0.0001). Inter-rater reliability for measures of hyoid displacement was excellent. After multivariate regression, hyoid displacement at baseline was associated with higher AHI (β [95% CI] = 0.18 [0.03, 0.33], p = 0.020).

CONCLUSION

During DISE, hyoid displacement is greater during obstructive breathing with significant variability amongst patients. Further, these ultrasonographic measurements had excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability. Additional, larger studies are needed to understand contributors to hyoid mobility.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 133:3221-3227, 2023.

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.

Potential ultrasonic anatomical markers of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome

AIM

To investigate the potential value of ultrasonography in evaluating the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) by assessing the correlation of critical ultrasonic anatomical characteristics of the oropharynx with the severity of OSAHS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and seventy-one patients with suspected OSAHS underwent oropharyngeal sonographic examination and overnight polysomnography. Ultrasonic measurement was compared with the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) and other parameters. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to identify potential ultrasonic anatomical markers for OSAHS.

RESULTS

The AHI was significantly correlated with lingual height (r=0.40, p<0.01), maximal width of the tongue (r=0.35, p<0.01), and distance from the symphysis of the mandible to the hyoid bone (M-HB) (r=0.24, p<0.01). A positive relationship between Friedman tongue position (FTP) grades and lingual height (r=0.24, p<0.01), between FTP grades and maximal width of the tongue (r=0.23, p<0.01), and between FTP grades and width of tongue base (TB; r=0.17, p<0.05) was found. Multivariate models adjusted for sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) revealed that lingual height (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.24; p=0.004) is independently associated with a higher risk for the severity of OSAHS.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography may be a potential imaging method for providing additional useful information about the correlation between ultrasound findings and the severity of OSAHS. Lingual height could be considered an ultrasonic anatomical marker for determining the severity of OSAHS patients independent of age, sex, and BMI.

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.

Drug-induced Sleep Endoscopy: Are there Predictors for Failure of Oral Appliance Treatment?

Introduction In the literature, evidence is lacking on the predictive value of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) for oral appliance treatment (OAT).

Objectives The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether DISE with concomitant mandibular advancement maneuver can predict failure of OAT.

Methods An observational retrospective study including patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who previously received OAT. Results of DISE were analyzed in a group with documented OAT failure (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] > 10 events/hour or < 50% reduction) and a group with OAT benefit (AHI <10 events/hour or > 50% reduction). The upper airway was assessed using the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, epiglottis (VOTE) classification. Additionally, a mandibular advancement maneuver, manually protruding the mandible by performing a jaw thrust, was performed to mimic the effect of OAT.

Results The present study included 50 patients with OAT failure and 20 patients with OAT benefit. A subgroup analysis of patients with OAT failure and an AHI < 30 events/hour included 26 patients. In the OAT failure group, 74% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver. In the subgroup with an AHI < 30 events/hour, 76.9% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver. In the OAT benefit group, 25% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver (p < 0.001).

Conclusions A negative jaw thrust maneuver during DISE can be a valuable predictor for OAT failure, independent of AHI. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy should be considered as a diagnostic evaluation tool before starting OAT.

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.

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.

Insights into Friedman stage II and III OSA patients through drug-induced sleep endoscopy

Background

The Friedman staging is a classic system to predict outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) surgery. Increasing stage indicates more severe upper airway (UA) obstruction and worse surgical successful rate. In previous studies, the UA obstruction between stages were usually assessed based on awake examination. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is a new method that can evaluate airway collapse characteristics during sleep. Therefore, we planned to compare Friedman staging and DISE findings and fulfill the knowledge gap on the correlation between awake and sedated UA examination.

Methods

Retrospective case series study that assessed patients with OSA who underwent DISE. Subjects were classified to stage II and stage III groups based on Friedman staging system. UA collapse characteristics based on velum, oropharynx, tongue base, epiglottis (VOTE) classification, including single/multiple obstruction sites, single/combined upper and lower obstruction levels, collapse degree and patterns in different sites, and surgical results among the groups were analyzed.

Results

A total of 175 cases were analyzed. No significant differences were found in baseline measurements between groups. Stage III patients (n=102) had a higher proportion (74.5%) with 3 or 4 obstruction sites than stage II (57.5%, n=73). Velum (V) + oropharynx (O) + tongue base (T) was the most common multi-sites combined obstruction pattern with 33% in stage II and 37% in stage III, isolated lower level obstruction was the least with 6% and 4%, respectively. No significant differences were found in obstruction sites and levels. 106 patients underwent surgeries and 33 had post-surgical sleep study, 73.7% and 63.6% response rate were found in stage II and III with no significant difference.

Conclusions

Upper and lower combined obstruction was the main pattern of collapse in both, Friedman stage II and III patients. Patients with OSA and Friedman stage III had more than 2 sites of obstruction than stage II patients.

Characteristics of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients With a Low Body Mass Index: Emphasis on the Obstruction Site Determined by Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to elucidate the patterns of upper airway collapse in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with a low body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

We designed and conducted a retrospective cohort study. Consecutive patients diagnosed with OSA who underwent drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) were included. Patients were classified into four groups according to their BMI. Age, sex, and polysomnography data were investigated. The patterns of upper airway collapse were characterized by the structures involved (soft palate, tongue base, lateral pharyngeal wall, and epiglottis). We compared the patterns of upper airway collapse in the supine and lateral decubitus position among the four BMI groups using the chi-square test and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 627 patients (male, 517; mean age, 47.6±12.8 years) were included, consisting of 45, 79, 151, and 352 patients who were underweight or lower normal-weight (defined as the low BMI group), upper normal-weight, overweight, and obese, respectively. Severity indicators of OSA, such as the overall apnea-hypopnea index and duration of SaO2 below 90%, were significantly lower in patients with a low BMI than in obese patients, while their average oxygen saturation was significantly higher. The most common obstruction site in the supine position was the tongue base in patients with a low BMI (100%), whereas this obstruction site was significantly less common in obese patients (54.8%). Tongue base obstruction was mostly relieved in the lateral position, with no discernible obstruction in 86.7% of the low BMI patients.

CONCLUSION

Airway obstruction in OSA patients with a low BMI is mostly due to tongue base obstruction, which improves in the lateral position. These characteristics should be kept in mind when considering treatment options for this subgroup of OSA patients.

The anesthesia airway evaluation: Correlation with sleep endoscopy findings

PURPOSE

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is a cost-effective, safe, and reliable tool to evaluate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients by revealing upper airway sites, patterns, and severity of obstruction. DISE provides valuable data because reliable evaluation of the OSA airway while awake has remained elusive. Few studies (with mixed results) have analyzed the correlation between pre-operation, awake airway assessments routinely performed by anesthesia and DISE results.

METHODS

Preoperative anesthesia evaluation records and subsequent DISE reports were obtained for 99 adult patients undergoing DISE between 2016 and 2018. All patients carried the diagnosis of OSA, based on polysomnography. Anesthesia-collected variables were compared with DISE findings in an effort to determine if commonly-utilized physical exam findings correlated to patterns of upper airway collapse observed on sleep endoscopy.

RESULTS

Most anesthesia preoperative evaluation variables were not found to be predictive of any identifiable patterns of collapse on DISE, including Mallampati score, ability to prognath, and overall airway assessment score. Obesity did not correlate with circumferential collapse at the velopharynx, or to multi-level collapse. Thyromental distance <6.5 cm was found to be statistically correlated to total epiglottic collapse (E = 2+). Friedman tongue position scores were found to be correlated to velopharyngeal collapse (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Anesthesia airway assessment algorithms and physical exam findings do not correlate well with findings on sleep endoscopy. DISE remains the gold standard for evaluating levels of collapse and operative planning in the OSA population.

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: Clinical Application and Surgical Outcomes

The visualization of the level and pattern of apnea and hypopnea events is of pivotal importance in the diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). There are numerous techniques available to assess upper airway obstruction, which include imaging, acoustic analysis, pressure transducer recording, and endoscopic evaluation. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is a diagnostic tool that allows the dynamic, three-dimensional evaluation of the patterns of vibration and collapse of the upper airway of SDB patients. DISE may change the initial surgical planning in a high percentage of cases. A universally accepted and methodologically standardized DISE could provide significant insight into its role to improve surgical outcomes. However, up to now the ideal DISE protocol remains an open question.

Is epiglottis surgery necessary for obstructive sleep apnea patients with epiglottis obstruction?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To examine the effect of epiglottis obstruction during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) on the surgical results of multilevel sleep surgery without epiglottic intervention.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This investigation involved patients diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on preoperative polysomnography (PSG), who underwent DISE followed by multilevel OSA surgery without epiglottic intervention at Kyung Hee Medical Center (Seoul, South Korea) between March 2013 and July 2016. During DISE, obstruction patterns of the upper airway were evaluated using the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, epiglottis classification method. Follow-up PSG was performed 3 months after surgery to determine the success rate of multilevel surgery without epiglottic intervention. A comparison was done between the group with epiglottis obstruction and the group without epiglottis obstruction.

RESULTS

Epiglottis obstruction was observed during DISE in 43.7% of patients. After application of exclusion criteria, 54 subjects were included (27 with and 27 without epiglottis obstruction). DISE revealed an association between epiglottis obstruction and tongue base collapse (P = .02). Comparing pre- and postoperative PSG findings, both groups exhibited improvement postoperatively. The success rate was 44.4% in the epiglottis obstruction group and 40.7% in the non-epiglottis obstruction group (P = .80). There was no difference in surgical success rates between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of epiglottis obstruction requiring epiglottic surgery was lower than what was found during DISE. Sleep surgeons may consider staged epiglottic surgery in patients with epiglottis obstruction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3b Laryngoscope, 129:2658-2662, 2019.

The role of drug-induced sleep endoscopy: predicting and guiding upper airway surgery for adult OSA patients

PURPOSE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that can be corrected with upper airway surgery. Prior to surgery, drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is routinely used to evaluate obstruction sites and severity. Evidence suggests that the findings of DISE may relate to the final surgical outcome. Therefore, we evaluated the ability of drug-induced sleep endoscopy to predict the final effect of upper airway surgery and potentially to guide surgical treatment decision-making.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 85 adult patients with OSA (50 men with mean apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 30 ± 15 events/h) who underwent DISE followed by tonsillectomy, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), or a combination of the two. Surgery outcome was evaluated at follow-up by polysomnography. Success response to surgery was defined as a postoperative value of the AHI< 20 events/h and more than 50% postoperative reduction of AHI.

RESULTS

Of the 85 patients evaluated, 48 (53%) were responders. DISE revealed significant differences between the two groups. Specifically, complete circumferential collapse at the velum and complete anterior-posterior collapse at the tongue base occurred at higher frequencies in nonresponders. In contrast, the presence of grade 3-4 tonsillar hypertrophy and anterior-posterior mild/partial collapse at the velum were positively associated with responders.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that DISE may help predict the final outcome of tonsillectomy, UPPP, or a combination of the two in adult patients with OSA. The use of DISE shows potential to guide treatment decisions for individual patients with OSA.

Prediction of tongue obstruction observed from drug induced sleep computed tomography by cephalometric parameters

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate potential role of cephalometric measurements to predict tongue base obstruction as observed on drug Induced Sleep Computed Tomography (DIS-CT).

METHODS

Study included 35 patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea who underwent DIS-CT & cephalometric examination to assess tongue base obstruction.

RESULTS

Statistically significant difference was noted for SNA angle & Mandibular posterior airway space (PAS) among groups with total tongue obstruction versus Non-total tongue obstruction identified on DIS-CT.

CONCLUSION

Lateral cephalogram can be used as a standard screening tool with commonly used skeletal and soft tissue parameters to predict the possibility of tongue collapse/obstruction during sleep in patient with moderate to severe OSAS.

The Relationship Between Modified Mallampati Score, Müller's Maneuver and Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Regarding Retrolingual Obstruction

OBJECTIVES

This study explored the correlation between clinical explorations, including modified Mallampati score and Müller's maneuver, with drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) findings regarding retrolingual obstruction.

METHODS

One hundred forty-two obstructive sleep apnea patients were enrolled in this prospective study. All of the patients received clinical explorations including modified Mallampati scoring and Müller's maneuver in the clinic. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy was further evaluated in the operating room.

RESULTS

A significant relationship was noted between modified Mallampati score and retrolingual obstruction during DISE. In contrast, no significant relationship was noted between Müller's maneuver and DISE findings regarding retrolingual obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant discrepancy existed between retrolingual airway collapse evaluated by modified Mallampati score and Müller's maneuver. Modified Mallampati score is more correlated with DISE regarding retrolingual obstruction compared to Müller's maneuver. It should therefore be used as an initial evaluation of retrolingual obstruction when DISE is unavailable.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with or without tonsillectomy in the treatment of adult obstructive sleep apnea - A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The most commonly performed surgical procedure for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with or without tonsillectomy (UPPP ± TE). However, there is currently no review solely focusing on clinically relevant effects of standard UPPP technique with or without tonsillectomy as a monotherapy in patients with OSA.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess the effects of isolated UPPP ± TE in patients with OSA. Studies of any design referring to adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed via polysomnography or comparable objective measures were considered, in which isolated "standard" UPPP ± TE was performed.

RESULTS

Forty-eight studies were included for the qualitative analysis. All but one study demonstrated a reduction in the frequency of respiratory events and success/response rates ranged from 35 to 95.2%. In the six studies that reported pre- and postoperative mean scores of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), a reduction in sleepiness scores was demonstrated. Data addressing the effect of UPPP ± TE in comparison to no treatment or control were available from two randomized controlled trials (RCT). When pooling the data, UPPP ± TE was significantly more effective in reducing the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (large effect): an AHI mean difference (MD) of -18.59 (95% CI -34.14, -3.04) and an ESS MD of -5.37 (95% CI -7,03, -3.72). Data addressing effect of UPPP ± TE in comparison to baseline was available from three RCT. When pooling the data, the AHI was reduced from a mean 35.4 to 17.9 (49.5% reduction); a MD of -20.41, 95% CI -32.78, -8.04 (-1.80, -1.15) (large effect). Various additional beneficial effects of UPPP ± TE were demonstrated including improvement in sexual function, ventricular function, sleep stages, serum lipid, depressive disorder and driving performance.

CONCLUSION

UPPP ± TE reduces respiratory events and daytime sleepiness in adult patients with OSA and UPPP ± TE is superior to non-treated controls in this regard. Further research is needed to establish the long-term benefit, the impact on cardiovascular morbidity and the role of UPPP ± TE in the variety of available treatment options for OSA.

Loop Gain Predicts the Response to Upper Airway Surgery in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Study Objectives

Upper airway surgery is often recommended to treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who cannot tolerate continuous positive airways pressure. However, the response to surgery is variable, potentially because it does not improve the nonanatomical factors (ie, loop gain [LG] and arousal threshold) causing OSA. Measuring these traits clinically might predict responses to surgery. Our primary objective was to test the value of LG and arousal threshold to predict surgical success defined as 50% reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and AHI <10 events/hour post surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who underwent upper airway surgery for OSA (n = 46). Clinical estimates of LG and arousal threshold were calculated from routine polysomnographic recordings presurgery and postsurgery (median of 124 [91-170] days follow-up).

Results

Surgery reduced both the AHI (39.1 ± 4.2 vs. 26.5 ± 3.6 events/hour; p < .005) and estimated arousal threshold (-14.8 [-22.9 to -10.2] vs. -9.4 [-14.5 to -6.0] cmH2O) but did not alter LG (0.45 ± 0.08 vs. 0.45 ± 0.12; p = .278). Responders to surgery had a lower baseline LG (0.38 ± 0.02 vs. 0.48 ± 0.01, p < .05) and were younger (31.0 [27.3-42.5] vs. 43.0 [33.0-55.3] years, p < .05) than nonresponders. Lower LG remained a significant predictor of surgical success after controlling for covariates (logistic regression p = .018; receiver operating characteristic area under curve = 0.80).

Conclusions

Our study provides proof-of-principle that upper airway surgery most effectively resolves OSA in patients with lower LG. Predicting the failure of surgical treatment, consequent to less stable ventilatory control (elevated LG), can be achieved in the clinic and may facilitate avoidance of surgical failures.

Insights since FDA Approval of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Purpose

The literature on hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was reviewed from 2014, the time of FDA approval for the Inspire Systems device, to 2017 for themes that might be useful conceptually and practically in the consideration of this new non-anatomic surgical therapy.

Recent Findings

there are now further follow-up articles since the 12-month results for Apnea Reduction (STAR) trial of the Inspire device, and post-approval publications which report similar and/0r improved AHI outcomes. Other emerging themes include drug-induced sedation endoscopy (DISE) as a tool in assessment of eligibility and a more detailed understanding of mechanisms for an HNS effects.

Summary

The post-STAR literature provides guidelines for an integrated coordination of medicine and surgery to appropriately screen and manage patients.

Fibronasolaringoscopia en el diagnóstico de síndrome de apnea-hipopnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS)

En los pacientes con diagnóstico de trastornos respiratorios del sueño (TRS) no se ha podido asociar ningún hallazgo anatómico a la severidad de la patología que el paciente presenta o a su éxito quirúrgico. Los avances actuales en la tecnología de video han permitido evaluar de manera más fidedigna las medidas de la vía aérea (VA) y trazar un mapa más exacto del sitio específico de obstrucción. La fibronasolaringoscopia es una técnica accesible y económica para la evaluación de la VA en múltiples posiciones en períodos de sueño y vigilia; esta requiere un amplio conocimiento por parte del examinador de la anatomía y fisiología de la vía aérea superior para determinar los sitios exactos de obstrucción y los patrones de colapso que podrían determinar la posibilidad del manejo quirúrgico o no, haciendo de este examen diagnóstico parte fundamental en el estudio de los pacientes con TRS.

Airflow Shape Is Associated With the Pharyngeal Structure Causing OSA

BACKGROUND

OSA results from the collapse of different pharyngeal structures (soft palate, tongue, lateral walls, and epiglottis). The structure involved in collapse has been shown to impact non-CPAP OSA treatment. Different inspiratory airflow shapes are also observed among patients with OSA. We hypothesized that inspiratory flow shape reflects the underlying pharyngeal structure involved in airway collapse.

METHODS

Subjects with OSA were studied with a pediatric endoscope and simultaneous nasal flow and pharyngeal pressure recordings during natural sleep. The mechanism causing collapse was classified as tongue-related, isolated palatal, lateral walls, or epiglottis. Flow shape was classified according to the degree of negative effort dependence (NED), defined as the percent reduction in inspiratory flow from peak to plateau.

RESULTS

Thirty-one subjects with OSA (mean apnea-hypopnea index score ± SD, 54 ± 27 events/h) who were 50 ± 9 years of age were studied. NED was associated with the structure causing collapse (P < .001). Tongue-related obstruction (n = 13) was associated with a small amount of NED (median, 19; interquartile range [IQR], 14%-25%). Moderate NED was found among subjects with isolated palatal collapse (median, 45; IQR, 39%-52%; n = 8) and lateral wall collapse (median, 50; IQR, 44%-64%; n = 8). The epiglottis was associated with severe NED (median, 89; IQR, 78%-91%) and abrupt discontinuities in inspiratory flow (n = 9).

CONCLUSIONS

Inspiratory flow shape is influenced by the pharyngeal structure causing collapse. Flow shape analysis may be used as a noninvasive tool to help determine the pharyngeal structure causing collapse.

The importance of drug-induced sedation endoscopy (D.I.S.E.) techniques in surgical decision making: conventional versus target controlled infusion techniques-a prospective randomized controlled study and a retrospective surgical outcomes analysis

Drug-Induced Sedation Endoscopy (DISE) consists of the direct observation of the upper airways during sedative-induced sleep, allowing the identification of the sites of pharyngeal collapse, which is the main pathological event in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The Authors have compared Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) sedation endoscopy (TCI-DISE) technique to conventional DISE (CDISE), performed by a manual bolus injection of sedative agent, to recreate accurately and safely snoring and apnea patterns comparable to natural sleep. The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, long-term study and a retrospective analysis of surgical outcomes. The apnea-event observation and its correlation with pharyngeal collapse patterns is the primary endpoint; secondary endpoints are defined as stability and safety of sedation plan of DISE-TCI technique. From January 2009 to January 2011, OSA patients were included in the study and randomly allocated into two groups: the bolus injection conventional DISE group and the TCI-DISE group. Third endpoint is to compare the surgical outcomes enrolling OSA patients from January 2009 to June 2015. We recorded the complete apnea-event at oropharynx and hypopharynx levels in 15/50 pts in conventional DISE group (30%) and in 99/123 pts in TCI-DISE group (81%) (p < 0.0001). Four pts needed oxygen in conventional DISE group because a severe desaturation occurred during the first bolus of propofol (1 mg/kg) (p = 0.4872 ns). We recorded instability of the sedation plan in 13 patients of conventional DISE group (65%) and 1 patient of the TCI-DISE group (5%) (p = 0.0001). In 37 TCI-DISE group surgical patients we reported a significant reduction of postoperative AHI (from 42.7 ± 20.2 to 11.4 ± 10.3) in comparison with postoperative AHI in 15 C-DISE group surgical patients (from 41.3 ± 23.4 to 20.4 ± 15.5) (p = 0.05). Our results suggest the DISE-TCI technique as first choice in performing sleep-endoscopy because of its increased accuracy, stability and safety. However, it is mandatory an accurate assessment of PSG/PM, which allows us to differentiate OSA patients in whom UA anatomical abnormalities are predominant in comparison with not-anatomical pathophysiologic factors, achieving good surgical patient's selection and outcomes as a consequence.

[Drug-induced sedation endoscopy-quo vadis? : Review and outlook]

BACKGROUND

Drug-induced sedation endoscopy (DISE) is a diagnostic procedure which allows evaluation of the collapsibility of the upper airway. According to expert opinion, it is possible to imitate nocturnal collapsibility and perform a realistic investigation of the site of obstruction and vibration. This should enable sufficient and precise therapeutic advice to be given solely on the basis of clinical assessment.

OBJECTIVE

The current publication critically evaluates the present state of development of DISE and its potential indications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A PubMed literature research was performed using "sleep" and "endoscopy" or "DISE" as keywords. Relevant publications were evaluated.

RESULTS

The present publication provides a historical summary of the available publications and relates these to other methods for examining obstructive sleep apnea. The present state of DISE in terms of drugs applied, grading systems, and validity is evaluated. Indications for DISE are described and critically discussed on the basis of literature data.

CONCLUSION

DISE provides deep insights into the genesis of obstructions of the upper airway and snoring. Although its value for diagnosis and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing could not yet be demonstrated for all non-CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapies, DISE could identify predictive parameters some methods. Further potential indications for DISE might be predictive examinations for mandibular advancement devices and respiration-synchronous neurostimulation of the hypoglossal nerve. DISE will thus remain a valuable diagnostic tool for obstructive sleep apnea and rhonchopathy.

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Changes the Treatment Concept in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

The present study evaluated whether drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) helps identify the site of obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). A total of 51 consecutive patients with polysomnography-confirmed OSA were enrolled in this prospective study. The presumed site of obstruction was determined according to history, otorhinolaryngologic examination, and polysomnography and a therapeutic plan designed before DISE. In 11 patients with severe OSA and/or previously failed continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, DISE with simultaneous CPAP was performed. Multilevel collapse was noted in 49 patients (96.1%). The most frequent multilevel collapse was palatal, oropharyngeal, and tongue base collapse (n = 17, 33.3%), followed by palatal and oropharyngeal collapse (n = 12, 23.5%). Pathology of the larynx (epiglottis) was observed in 16 patients (31.4%). The laryngeal obstruction as a reason for intolerance of CPAP was observed in 3/11 (27.3%) patients. After DISE, the surgical plan was changed in 31 patients (60.8%). The results indicate that DISE helps identify the site of obstruction in the upper airways in patients with OSA more accurately and that the larynx plays an important role in OSA.

Reliability of drug-induced sedation endoscopy: interobserver agreement

PURPOSE

Several studies have demonstrated the validity, reliability, and safety of drug-induced sedation endoscopy (DISE) in assessing the collapse of the upper airway (UA) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypoapnea syndrome (OSAHS). The aim of this study was to assess the interobserver agreement on DISE and on therapeutic decision between an expert observer and an observer in training.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. Thirty-one DISE videos performed in our service were randomly selected. Videos belonged to patients with OSAHS who wanted alternative treatments to CPAP. The videos were reviewed by an ENT experienced on DISE and a second observer in formation. Each observer independently assessed the presence of collapse of the UA according to a modified VOTE classification and proposed an alternative treatment to CPAP. Interobserver agreement kappa values were calculated.

RESULTS

In assessing the presence of collapse at different levels of the upper airway, the percentage of agreement was 80 % at the level of the soft palate (kappa = 0.1667), 89.29 % in the oropharynx (k = 0.7742), 80.65 % at the tongue base (k = 0.5571), and 74.17 % at the epiglottis (k = 0.4768). When degree and configuration of the collapse was evaluated, the interrater agreement was moderate to good, except at the level of the tongue base where the agreement was weak for both degree and configuration of collapse (k = 0.34 and 0.38, respectively). Interobserver agreement was moderate when the indication of alternative treatments to CPAP is valued based on the findings of DISE.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, DISE is a reliable technique even when assessing interobserver agreement between an experienced observer and one in training; however, tongue base is the level of the upper airway that presents the greatest difficulties when assessing the collapse with DISE. Therefore, it is important to develop learning curves for this technique in order to obtain more reliable results.

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

OBJECTIVE

Traditionally, upper airway examination is performed while the patient is awake. However, in the past two decades, drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) has been used as a method of tridimensional evaluation of the upper airway during pharmacologically induced sleep. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence regarding the usefulness of DISE compared with that of traditional awake examination for surgical decision making in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

DATA SOURCES

Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched.

REVIEW METHODS

Only studies with a primary objective of evaluating the usefulness of DISE for surgical decision making in patients with OSA were selected. The included studies directly compared awake examination data with DISE outcome data in terms of possible influences on surgical decision making and operation success.

RESULTS

A total of eight studies with 535 patients were included in this review. Overall, the surgical treatment changed after DISE in 50.24% (standard deviation 8.4) cases. These changes were more frequently associated with structures contributing to hypopharyngeal or laryngeal obstruction. However, these differences do not automatically indicate a higher success rate.

CONCLUSION

This review emphasized the direct impact of DISE compared with that of awake examination on surgical decision making in OSA patients. However, it is also clear that the available published studies lack evidence on the association between this impact and surgical outcomes. Laryngoscope, 126:768-774, 2016.

Drug-induced sedation endoscopy versus clinical exploration for the diagnosis of severe upper airway obstruction in OSAHS patients

BACKGROUND

Identifying the sites of obstruction of the upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is paramount for surgical planning. The aim of this study is to compare wake physical exam findings to the ones obtained during drug-induced sedation endoscopy (DISE) in the diagnosis of severe collapse of the upper airway in OSAHS patients.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of OSAHS patients who underwent DISE at our institution during the 2006-2010 period was conducted. All the patients had previously undergone a physical examination that included modified Mallampati index (MMI), the Müller maneuver (MM), and the Friedman staging system. Level and severity of airway collapse were evaluated. A severe collapse was attributed to obstructions equal or greater than 75 % of the airway.

RESULTS

A total of 138 patients were included in the study. The incidence of severe airway collapse was compared between DISE and MM; at retropalatal level, no significant difference was found. At retrolingual level, 69 % of patients had severe collapse with DISE in comparison to a 28 % with the MM (p < 0.05). No relationship was found either with the MMI or with the Friedman staging system when compared to the incidence of severe retrolingual collapse diagnosed by DISE. Concordance was low between awake and DISE exploration in both retropalatal and retroglossal level.

CONCLUSION

The Müller maneuver underestimates tongue base severe obstruction diagnosis when compared to that obtained after DISE in OSAHS patients. The wake patient exploration does not accurately correlate to DISE exploration.