Barbed Roman blinds technique for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: how we do it?

Barbed palatal surgery: single stage or multilevel setting-a systematic review by the Young Otolaryngologists of the Italian Society of Otolaryngology

PURPOSE

This systematic review aims to compare the efficacy and safety of multilevel and single level surgery, including barbed pharyngoplasties, in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

The study followed PRISMA guidelines and searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Ovid databases for studies evaluating the effect of barbed pharyngoplasties on adults with OSA. Prospective and retrospective cohort studies were included with pre- and post-treatment comparisons of sleep tests and self-reported clinical outcomes. Exclusion criteria were non-English studies, case reports, reviews, conference abstracts, letters, and pediatric studies. Successful surgery was classified using Sher's criteria.

RESULTS

The study selected a total of 1014 patients from 26 studies, 24 of which were longitudinal studies with 10 retrospective trials and 14 prospective studies. The average age of the patients was 46.9 years, with an average Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.6 kg/m2. Most of the patients were male (84.6%). The study included only palatal surgical techniques with barbed sutures, and patients who underwent cardio-respiratory monitoring and Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) before surgery. Mean Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) preoperative was 32.9/h, AHI postoperative was 11.9/h, and mean reduction of AHI was 62.3%. The most commonly adopted palatoplasty was Barbed Repositioning Pharyngoplasty (BRP) in 16 out of 26 studies, followed by its subsequent modifications in 3 studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Barbed pharyngoplasties appear to be effective both on objective measurement and subjective scores. DISE represents a fundamental tool to assess uni-level or multilevel obstruction. When retro-palatal collapse is present, barbed pharyngoplasty appears to be effective. Barbed pharyngoplasties maintain their good results both in single level or multilevel surgery. Randomized clinical controlled trials with multi-center cooperation and long-term study are necessary.

International Consensus Statement on Obstructive Sleep Apnea

BACKGROUND

Evaluation and interpretation of the literature on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) allows for consolidation and determination of the key factors important for clinical management of the adult OSA patient. Toward this goal, an international collaborative of multidisciplinary experts in sleep apnea evaluation and treatment have produced the International Consensus statement on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (ICS:OSA).

METHODS

Using previously defined methodology, focal topics in OSA were assigned as literature review (LR), evidence-based review (EBR), or evidence-based review with recommendations (EBR-R) formats. Each topic incorporated the available and relevant evidence which was summarized and graded on study quality. Each topic and section underwent iterative review and the ICS:OSA was created and reviewed by all authors for consensus.

RESULTS

The ICS:OSA addresses OSA syndrome definitions, pathophysiology, epidemiology, risk factors for disease, screening methods, diagnostic testing types, multiple treatment modalities, and effects of OSA treatment on multiple OSA-associated comorbidities. Specific focus on outcomes with positive airway pressure (PAP) and surgical treatments were evaluated.

CONCLUSION

This review of the literature consolidates the available knowledge and identifies the limitations of the current evidence on OSA. This effort aims to create a resource for OSA evidence-based practice and identify future research needs. Knowledge gaps and research opportunities include improving the metrics of OSA disease, determining the optimal OSA screening paradigms, developing strategies for PAP adherence and longitudinal care, enhancing selection of PAP alternatives and surgery, understanding health risk outcomes, and translating evidence into individualized approaches to therapy.

Complications and side effects after barbed pharyngoplasty: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Recently, the use of barbed pharyngoplasty (BP) has become widespread in snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) palatal surgery, but there are no studies regarding the short- and long-term complications resulting from these different techniques. This systematic review aimed to report the complications and side effects of different BP techniques.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Ovid databases. The PRISMA statement was followed. Databases were searched from inception through September 2, 2021.

RESULTS

We included 14 prospective clinical studies consisting of 769 patients aged 23 to 81 years. The associated intra-operative complications of BP were as follows: partial thread extrusion (2.9%), self-limited bleeding (2.9%), broken needle (1.0%), and suture rupture (1.0%). Short-term complications were as follows: thread/knot extrusion (12.4%), dysphagia (5.6%), bleeding (1.5%), velopharyngeal insufficiency (1.5%), anterior pharyngoplasty dehiscence (1.2%), tonsillar haemorrhage (1.0%), excessive postnasal discharge (1.0%), barbed suture failure (0.5%), acute infection (0.2%), mucosal granulomas (0.2%), chipped tooth caused by mouth gag displacement (0.2%), and fibrous scar (0.2%). Long-term complications were as follows: foreign body sensation (7.8%), sticky mucus in throat (5.9%), dysphagia (3.6%), rhinolalia (3.1%), throat phlegm (1.1%), nose regurgitation (0.8%), dry throat (0.6%), and throat lump (0.3%).

CONCLUSION

BP is a safe technique free of significant side effects and major complications. However, in this review, patients undergoing BP were very heterogeneous in terms of characteristics of patients chosen and severity of diseases, surgical technique used (myoresective vs non-myoresective), time of follow-up, and mono level vs multilevel surgery. More studies on a larger scale with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm these promising results.

"Pharyngolab": a new surgical simulator for pharyngoplasties

Pharyngoplasty represents one of the most widely performed surgical procedures for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the presence of palate-oropharyngeal collapse. The learning curve for pharyngoplasties is steep and success is conditional on the correct use of the sutures and the careful application of the surgical steps in a narrow surgical field. The use of synthetic models may be conveniently and safely employed for hands-on surgical practice in pharyngoplasties, especially when fresh frozen cadaveric specimens are not available. We present the "Pharyngolab", a new simulator for pharyngoplasties.

Obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome: state of the art

Obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) is an extremely common sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD) characterised by complete or partial collapse of the upper airways. These nocturnal phenomena cause high-frequency hypoxemic desaturations (or intermittent hypoxia, IH) during sleep and alterations in gas exchange. The result of IH is the development or worsening of cerebro-cardio-vascular, metabolic and other diseases, which cause a high risk of death. Hence, OSAHS is a multifactorial disease affecting several organs and systems and presenting with various clinical manifestations involving different medical branches. Although it has been estimated that about one billion individuals worldwide are affected by OSAHS, this SRBD remains underestimated also due to misinformation regarding both patients and physicians. Therefore, this review aims to provide information on the main symptoms and risk factors for the detection of individuals at risk of OSAHS, as well as to present the diagnostic investigations to be performed and the different therapeutic approaches. The scientific evidence reported suggest that OSAHS is an extremely common and complex disorder that has a large impact on the health and quality of life of individuals, as well as on healthcare expenditure. Moreover, given its multifactorial nature, the design and implementation of diagnostic and therapeutic programmes through a multidisciplinary approach are necessary for a tailor-made therapy for each patient.

Oromaxillofacial Surgery: Both a Treatment and a Possible Cause of Obstructive Sleep Apnea-A Narrative Review

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic, sleep-related breathing disorder. It is characterized by a nocturnal periodic decrease or complete stop in airflow due to partial or total collapse of the oropharyngeal tract. Surgical treatment of OSA is constantly evolving and improving, especially with the implementation of new technologies, and this is needed because of the very heterogeneous reasons for OSA due to the multiple sites of potential airway obstruction. Moreover, all of these surgical methods have advantages and disadvantages; hence, patients should be approached individually, and surgical therapies should be chosen carefully. Furthermore, while it is well-established that oromaxillofacial surgery (OMFS) provides various surgical modalities for treating OSA both in adults and children, a new aspect is emerging regarding the possibility that some of the surgeries from the OMFS domain are also causing OSA. The latest studies are suggesting that surgical treatment in the head and neck region for causes other than OSA could possibly have a major impact on the emergence of newly developed OSA, and this issue is still very scarcely mentioned in the literature. Both oncology, traumatology, and orthognathic surgeries could be potential risk factors for developing OSA. This is an important subject, and this review will focus on both the possibilities of OMFS treatments for OSA and on the OMFS treatments for other causes that could possibly be triggering OSA.

Barbed pharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea: A meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of barbed pharyngoplasty (BP) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

Databases included PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus, and reference lists. Relevant articles were searched through August 2021, following the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

Twenty articles with 762 participants were included. The mean success in BP as a single-level surgery was 85.2% (MD, 95% CI 77.6%, 92.7%). There was a significant reduction of oxygen desaturation index (ODI) of -11.7 (MD 95% CI -16, -7.4). The lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) improved 8.9% (MD, 95% CI 1.3%, 16.7%). Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and snoring score significantly decreased -6.8 (MD 95% CI -8.3, -5.2) and -5.3 (MD 95% -7.9, -2.7), respectively. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) significantly decreased -23.9 events/h (MD, 95% CI -25.5, -22.9) with a 69% reduction. The mean surgical time was 23 min. A significant improvement of AHI, ODI, ESS, and LSAT was also revealed in BP as a multilevel surgery. Complications included suture extrusion (18%), dysphagia (20%), velopharyngeal insufficiency (15%), and dysgeusia (3%) without serious consequences. The median follow-up period was 6 months, ranged 1 to 26 months.

CONCLUSION

Barbed pharyngoplasty as a single-level or multilevel surgery is a safe and effective procedure with significant objective and subjective outcomes for OSA patients with palatal obstruction. However, randomized clinical controlled trials with multicenter cooperation and long-term study are necessary.

Functional Upper Airway Space Endoscopy: A Prognostic Indicator in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment with Mandibular Advancement Devices

PURPOSE

The use of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a consolidated therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of awake upper airways (UA) functional endoscopy in identifying the outcome of MAD therapy.

METHODS

This observational prospective study included 30 adult OSA patients, all patients underwent pre-treatment awake UA functional endoscopy, during the exam subjects were instructed to advance their mandible maximally, and they were divided into three different groups according to the response of the soft tissue, group A (expansion), group B (stretch), group C (unchanged). The results of this test were used in combination with other noninvasive indexes to predict the treatment outcome in terms of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) reduction.

RESULTS

We found that a substantial AHI reduction occurred in group A and group B while e slight AHI reduction was measured in group C.

CONCLUSION

Based on our experience the awake UA endoscopy is a valid prognostic exam for discriminating responder and non-responder patients; in addition our results indicate the possibility of predicting a range of post-treatment AHI index values.

Barbed Reposition Pharyngoplasty versus Expansion Sphincter Pharyngoplasty: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study was to compare barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP) and expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (ESP) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

Relevant 907 articles were searched from various databases until August 2020, including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus, and reference lists.

RESULTS

Four studies with a total of 208 participants were included. The mean reduction of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in the BRP group was 74.03% and the mean reduction of AHI in the ESP group was 60.17%. The mean success rate in the BRP group and the ESP group was 84.96% and 79.87%, respectively. The mean difference (MD) of the change in AHI between groups was not significantly different (MD = -1.24 event/hr, 95% CI [-11.86, 9.36], P = .82). There was no significant difference in postoperative AHI, postoperative Epworth Sleepiness Scale, pain, hospital stay, time to oral diet, and the change in oxygen desaturation index in both groups whereas the analgesic requirement was lower in the BRP group. Operative time was lower in the BRP group (MD = 21.72 minutes, 95% CI [18.85, 24.60], P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

The outcomes in both procedures are comparable in the improvement of OSA with palatal collapse. BRP is superior to ESP in term of surgical time. However, randomized clinical controlled trials with multicenter cooperation and long-term follow-up are essential to further demonstrate the efficacy of these procedures. Laryngoscope, 131:1420-1428, 2021.

Modified reposition pharyngoplasty for OSAS treatment: How we do it and our results

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSES

The relevance of the lateral pharyngeal walls in the collapse of the upper airway in obstructive sleep apnea patients has been revealed in the last 20years. New surgical techniques that address this collapse have been published. The aim of this study is to show the technique that we are currently using to treat the collapse and its results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of surgically treated OSAS patients who did not tolerate conventional positive airway pressure (CPAP) or for whom it was not indicated. After a complete physical examination either awake or under drug-induced sleep endoscopy, tonsillectomy with reposition pharyngoplasty was performed using barbed bidirectional suture and removing the supratonsillar fat. Three to 6months after surgery the subjective parameters were evaluated and a sleep study was performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were enrolled with a significative decrease in the AHI and also significative improvement in all the rest parameters studied. In 65.4% of the patients the AHI decreased 50% and was lower than 20/h, in 42.3% postoperative AHI was lower than 10/h. The most frequent complication was the partial extrusion of the suture.

CONCLUSIONS

This surgical procedure obtains statistically significant results in objective and subjective parameters of sleep apnoea without major associated complications.

Manipulation of Lateral Pharyngeal Wall Muscles in Sleep Surgery: A Review of the Literature

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) occurs due to upper airway obstruction resulting from anatomical and functional abnormalities. Upper airway collapsibility, particularly those involving the lateral pharyngeal wall (LPW), is known to be one of the main factors contributing to the pathogenesis of OSAS, leading the authors of the present study to propose different strategies in order to stiffen the pharyngeal walls to try to restore normal airflow. Methods: An exhaustive review of the English literature on lateral pharyngeal wall surgery for the treatment of OSAS was performed using the PubMed electronic database. Results: The research was performed in April 2020 and yielded approximately 2000 articles. However, considering the inclusion criteria, only 17 studies were included in the present study. Conclusions: The analyzed surgical techniques propose different parts of LPW on which to focus and a variable degree of invasivity. Despite the very promising results, no gold standard for the treatment of pharyngeal wall collapsibility has been proposed. However, thanks to progressive technological innovations and increasingly precise data analysis, the role of LPW surgery seems to be crucial in the treatment of OSAS patients.

Assessment and Management of Postoperative Pain Associated with Sleep Apnea Surgery

A literature review was conducted regarding the assessment and treatment of postoperative pain following surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Given the risks of opioid use by patients with OSA, special attention to opioid risk reduction and avoidance is warranted in this population. The results of this review demonstrate the existence of a body of evidence that supports the use of nonopioid analgesics and nonpharmacologic approaches pain management. Strategies for managing postoperative pain should emphasize the use of local anesthetic infiltration, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, topical analgesics, surgical wound cooling, and when necessary, safer opioid medications, such as tramadol and intranasal butorphanol.

Different barbed pharyngoplasty techniques for retropalatal collapse in obstructive sleep apnea patients: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The use of barbed sutures (BS) for the treatment of retropalatal collapse and vibration in patients suffering from snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has significantly increased in the last few years. Many surgeons have discovered the advantages and unique properties of the BS and allowed the popular surgical pharyngoplasty techniques to be updated and improved.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed to identify all the clinical studies concerning the different barbed pharyngoplasty (BP) techniques used for the treatment of palatal collapse in snoring and OSA patients. A qualitative analysis of data extracted was conducted.

RESULTS

We included 12 studies of which 10 are prospective and 2 retrospective: 9 single-arm studies on the efficacy of a specific BP technique, 1 randomized clinical trial on the comparison between BP and control groups, and 2 studies on the correlation between two different BP techniques. To date, in the literature, 5 different types of BP techniques have been described: barbed snore surgery, barbed reposition pharyngoplasty, barbed expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, barbed suture suspension, and barbed soft palate posterior webbing flap pharyngoplasty. All the studies showed an overall improvement in the primary efficacy parameters investigated (apnea-hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index, and Epworth sleepiness scale) in each of the surgical techniques performed without any major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the extreme heterogeneity of the studies analyzed, it is necessary to perform more randomized and control studies on large samples aimed to define the best BP technique based on its effectiveness, surgical success rate, patient's compliance, and complications.

Effectiveness of barbed repositioning pharyngoplasty for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): a prospective randomized trial

PURPOSE

The aim of our randomized clinical trial is to produce stronger evidence supporting barbed repositioning pharyngoplasty (BRP) as a therapeutic option for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

The trial was a single-center prospective controlled trial with two parallel arms (group A: BRP; group B: observation) and randomization. Baseline and 6-month polygraphy evaluating the apnea hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and lowest oxygen saturation (LOS) were performed. To test the differences among groups of Student's t test, the role of each factor (univariate analysis) and their independent effect (multivariate analysis) was explored using logistic regression model as appropriate. Linear regression was also conducted.

RESULTS

A significant reduction of AHI, ODI, LOS, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) values was recorded in the BRP group. BRP showed to be more effective than observation. Logistic regression showed that preoperative AHI is related significantly to postoperative AHI within the BRP group. A linear regression showed that higher baseline AHI predicts more significant postoperative absolute AHI reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

BRP appears to be a promising technique and might be included within the surgical armamentarium of a sleep surgeon. Patients affected by severe OSA may benefit from this surgery with more significant reduction of AHI values.

Postoperative Pain and Wound Healing After Coblation-Assisted Barbed Anterior Pharyngoplasty (CABAPh): An Observational Study

Despite the numerous progresses in the palatal surgery, one of the critical aspect of snoring and OSA surgery is the postoperative pain. Over the last decades several surgical palatal procedures have been proposed. Our aim was to evaluate the tolerability of the coblation-assisted barbed anterior pharyngoplasty (CABAPh) in terms of postoperative pain and wound healing, compared with bipolar assisted barbed anterior pharyngoplasty (BAPh). An observational study on 20 patients with simple snoring was conducted. The outcomes measured to assessing pain were a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) and the dose of paracetamol + codeine administrated postoperatively. The wound healing was evaluated using a 3-point scale. The other parameters indicative of both pain and surgical repair were food intake and weight loss postoperatively. The mean overall pain (VAS scale) was significantly less in the CABAPh group (M 3.7; CI 3.34-4.06) compared with the BAPh (M 4.73; CI 4.28-5.19) with a P = 0.003. The mean wound healing after 4 weeks was significantly less in CABAPh group (M 2.7; CI 3.12-2.28) compared with the BAPh (M 2.1; CI 2.45-1.75) with a P = 0.02. There were no statistically significant difference with regard to food intake (P = 0.09) and weight loss (P = 0.94). The CABAPh was able to achieve a greater pain reduction and a faster wound healing compared with bipolar forceps.

Barbed suture in oral cavity reconstruction: preliminary results

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of unidirectional barbed suture (V-Loc) compared to a standard monofilament stitch (Vicryl) in suturing of a free flap to local tissue after head and neck surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Complication rates, operative closure time, length of hospitalisation and costs were evaluated. The study cohort (group A) of 20 consecutive patients reconstructed using barbed stitches for suturing was prospectively compared to a control cohort (group B) of 20 consecutive patients reconstructed using conventional vicryl stitches. All patients were affected by squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and underwent different types of glossectomy and reconstruction with free flaps. This analysis demonstrates the efficacy of the barbed suture compared with a standard monofilament stitch in terms of lower complication rate (15% group A, 30% group B), intra-operative closure times (486 minutes group A, 517 minutes group B), and length of hospitalisation (average length of hospitalisation 14.60 days group A, 16.85 days group B). These factors coupled with the use of a lower number of stitches compared with the standard stitches may compensate the increased cost of the barbed suture. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the use of unidirectional barbed stitches for suturing of a free flap to the recipient site reduces the complication rate, principally in terms of dehiscence and fistula incidence, and reduces intra-operative time and length of hospitalisation. Based on these results and on the literature, the use of unidirectional barbed stitches can be considered as a safe and efficient alternative to conventional stitches for suturing of free flaps to local tissue.

Palate surgery for obstructive sleep apnea: a 17-year meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Systematic review of palate surgery for the treatment of OSA.

METHODS

Independent searches to identify publications relevant to OSA treatment and upper airway palate surgery. All relevant studies published between January 2001 and February 2018 were included. Inclusion criteria were adult patients, documented airway evaluation methods and absent hypopharyngeal collapse. Outcomes included success rates of treatment, AHI, Epworth scale, QOL and snoring VAS.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine papers with a total of 2715 patients, UPPP accounted for 16.7% of all the procedures. Evident differentiation progressing from 2001 to 2018, from 2001 to 2010, the percentage of UPPP procedures were 25.67%, from 2011 to 2018, there were only 12.6% of UPPP procedures. The average follow up was 8.18 months. Meta-analysis on the AHI change for all procedures, showed the fixed effect AHI per follow-up (FU) month change was 1.45 (95% CI 1.33, 1.8), p < 0.001; while for ESS, the fixed effect AHI per FU month change was 0.61 (95% CI 0.56, 0.66), p < 0.001. The mean decrease in AHI was from 35.66 to 13.91 (p < 0.001). The mean decrease in ESS was from 11.65 to 5.08 (p < 0.001). The mean AHI change was 19.9 (p < 0.001). The mean ESS change was 5.8 (p < 0.001). The overall pooled success rate was 67.5%. Meta-analysis of the procedures, showed that the respective mean AHI reduction was 24.7 for the anterior palatoplasty (p = 0.015), 19.8 for the lateral/expansion pharyngoplasty (p = 0.046), and 17.2 for the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (p = 0.360).

CONCLUSIONS

Better understanding of the upper airway and objective airway evaluation diagnostic techniques and innovative palate surgeries have improved success rates of OSA surgery.

Barbed Hyoglossomandibulopexia: A Preclinical Study on Human Anatomic Models

The retrobasilingual space is the one of the most frequent sites of obstruction in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome, and several multilevel surgical procedures have been developed. The authors tested by means a preclinical study the feasibility of a new experimental surgical procedure called barbed hyoglossomandibulopexia (B.Hy.G.M.P.) which aims at advancing the tongue base with the hyoid bone (hyo-glossopexia) by multiple plicatures at the oral floor muscles.B.Hy.G.M.P. was performed during cadaveric dissection on 12 human models. Retrobasilingual space enlargement was assessed by means of nasopharyngeal fiberendoscopy.A 25% to 50% enlargement in the retrobasilingual space was documented by means of nasopharyngeal fiberendoscopy in all the patients.The authors' preclinical study documents the feasibility of the B.Hy.G.M.P. procedure on human models, and suggests the possible usefulness of this approach in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome patients with retrobasilingual collapse. Dedicated clinical studies on living subjects are needed to assess the effectiveness and safety of this technique.

Transoral glossoepiglottopexy in the treatment of adult obstructive sleep apnoea: a surgical approach

SUMMARY

The treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is still a matter of debate; among the different therapeutic alternatives, both surgical and conservative, treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is considered the "gold standard". The recent scientific literature reports that even if CPAP represents an effective solution for sleep apnoeas, 12% of patients do not benefit from its use. In most cases, primary collapse of the epiglottis is responsible for failure. We developed a surgical technique that provides a stable support to the epiglottis without influencing its function during swallowing while preserving laryngeal anatomy and physiology. The procedure we propose is based on that conceived by Monnier for children affected by laryngomalacia. We analysed a group of 20 patients who underwent glossoepiglottopexy between January 2015 and September 2016 and compared data (AHI, ODI, t90, ESS, EAT10, etc.) collected before and 6 months after surgery to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of our glossoepiglottopexy (GEP). The results allow us to consider GEP as a valid choice to treat adults who suffer from sleep apnoeas.