A randomized trial of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty in the treatment of mild obstructive sleep apnea

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

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Supplementary Information

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

Treatment of snoring using a non-invasive Er:YAG laser with SMOOTH mode (NightLase): a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess safety and efficacy of a non-invasive 2940 nm Er:YAG treatment with SMOOTH mode in reducing snoring in adult patients and to compare its efficacy and safety to sham treatment in a randomized controlled trial setting.  METHODS: 40 primary snoring patients (≥ 18 year, AHI < 15e/h, BMI ≤ 30) were randomized to receive either 3 sessions NightLase or sham laser treatment. The main outcome measures were Snore Outcomes Survey (SOS), the Spouse/Bed Partner Survey (SBPS), a visual analogue snoring scale (bed partner) and a visual analogue pain scale.

RESULTS

NightLase was well tolerated, no local anaesthesia was required (mean VAS pain score in NightLase group = 3.0 ± 1.7). No complications occurred. SOS, SBPS and VAS snoring scores improved in the NightLase group (33.7 ± 14.1 to 56.2 ± 16.1) (35.0 ± 17.1 to 61.5 ± 16.4) and (7.9 ± 2.0 to 4.7 ± 2.8) while no changing in the sham group (32.2 ± 14.5 vs 32.1 ± 13.0) (36.7 ± 12.1 vs 34.7 ± 12.7) (8.1 ± 1.7 vs 8.0 ± 1.6), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

NightLase is a safe, minimal invasive treatment that significantly reduced snoring compared to sham treatment.

Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) complications and side effects: a systematic review

Objective: Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) has been used as a treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea for almost three decades. It has been previously reported that some patient's sleep-disordered breathing worsened following surgery. The aim of this paper is to further elucidate the specific complications of LAUP. Data sources: A systematic search of the electronic databases MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase. Review methods: The PRISMA statement was followed. Databases were searched from inception through September 2, 2018. The following search was applied to MEDLINE/PubMed ((laser AND uvul*) OR (LAUP) OR (LAVP) OR (laser AND (apnea OR apnoea OR sleep))). Results: Forty-two studies with a mean follow-up of 16.1 months reported complications on 3,093 total patients who underwent LAUP. The percentages and associated complications of LAUP are as follows: bleeding (2.6%), candidiasis (0.3%), dryness (7.2%), dysgeusia (0.3%), dysosmia (0.2%), globus sensation (8.2%), surgical site infection (1.3%), velopharyngeal (VP) insufficiency (3.9%), and VP stenosis (1.6%). The mean duration of patient-reported pain in studies that reported pain was 11.65 days. Only globus and VP insufficiency had a significant incidence compared with either the general population or the post-oropharyngeal surgery population with relative risks of 1.48 and 2.25, respectively. Overall, there were approximately 26 complications per 100 patients who underwent LAUP. Conclusion: LAUP is associated with a statistically significant rate of VP insufficiency and globus sensation; however, studies lack details of surgical approaches, suggesting that in a population identified as good candidates, a tissue-sparing approach may result in fewer complications.

Short-term efficacy of minimally invasive treatments for adult obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Many treatments have been proposed for adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but no comprehensive comparison of all interventions has been performed. We aimed to compare and rank the effectiveness of all minimally invasive treatments for adult OSA in a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Literature was searched within Ovid MedLine, EMBASE Classic+Embase, Cochrane library, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to Aug 9th, 2016 for randomized controlled trials comparing minimally invasive treatments for adult OSA. The outcomes were the changes in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). Frequentist approach to network meta-analysis was used and treatment hierarchy was summarized according to the surfaces under the cumulative ranking curves. Eighty-nine randomized controlled trials comprising 6346 adult OSA participants and comparing 18 different interventions were included. In comparison with no treatment, positive airway pressure (PAP) was most effective in reducing AHI (23.28 [weighted mean difference]; 95% confidence interval: 19.20-27.35). PAP was ranked first followed by mandibular advancement device (MAD) in reducing AHI. Exercise was ranked first followed by cervico-mandibular support collar in reducing ESS. Considering the effectiveness in reducing both AHI and ESS, PAP was ranked the best, followed by MAD and positional therapy, while lifestyle modification alone was the least effective intervention. Interventions that are highly effective in reducing objective laboratory-derived AHI do not demonstrate equivalent effectiveness in improving patients' subjective sleepiness. Future improvement of the interventions is necessary to simultaneously improve both objective and subjective outcomes.

[S2e-guideline: "ENT-specific therapy of obstructive sleep apnea in adults" short version : Sleep Medicine Task Force of the German Society for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery]

The present S2e-guideline is an update of the former S2e-guideline "treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in adults". The update was performed on behalf of the German Society for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery by its Sleep Medicine Task Force. The long version of the guideline is valid from 5.9.2015 to 5.9.2020 and has been available (guideline No. 017-069) since November 2015 on the official AWMF website.The subsequently presented short version of the guideline summarizes the essentials in a legible way. For further information, please refer to the long version.

ENT-specific therapy of obstructive sleep apnoea in adults : A revised version of the previously published German S2e guideline

The German Society of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery recently has released the abbreviated version of its scientific guideline "ENT-specific therapy of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in adults", which has been updated in 2015 and can be found online at the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften, AWMF). A summary of the main recommendations is provided in this revised English version. All recommendations are based on a systematic literature research of articles published up until March 2014. Literature research followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Literature Research to create Guidelines published by the German Cochrane Centre. Studies were evaluated with respect to their scientific value according to the recommendations of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine, and grades of recommendation are provided regarding each intervention.

Reconsidering first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is typically recommended as first line therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, but the adherence rate of CPAP is problematic. This study's objective was to systematically review the literature relating to CPAP as first line therapy for OSA and compare it to surgical literature on the same topic.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, examining Medline-Ovid, Embase, and Pubmed databases. The primary search objective was to identify all papers reporting the results of (1) randomized clinical trials (RCT) of CPAP for the treatment of adults with OSA; and (2) both randomized and non-randomized clinical trials and case series on the surgical treatment of OSA in adults. A PhD-level biostatistician first screened papers, and then those that met study criteria were retrieved and analyzed using standardized forms for each author. The primary outcomes were adherence rates of CPAP.

RESULTS

A total of 82 controlled clinical trials for CPAP and 69 controlled and non-controlled surgery trials were identified for analysis. Variation in CPAP use within reported RCT trials were identified, and the majority of patients in the studies would eventually be considered non-adherent to CPAP.

CONCLUSIONS

When considering the numerous patient-related factors that come into play when CPAP is prescribed, the concept of CPAP as gold-standard therapy for OSA should be reconsidered. In many cases surgery can provide a better overall outcome. This study's results suggest that certain patients with OSA may be managed more effectively with surgery than CPAP, without confounding issues of treatment adherence.

Long-term results in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) after laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP)

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a serious disease. The etiology of and optimum therapy options for this disorder have been much discussed and have been the subject of many publications. One much discussed therapy option is laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP). Despite conflicting opinions and guidelines which recommend that it should not be used, it remains in use. Patients who had previously undergone this procedure were invited for follow-up appointments, at which they were asked to complete a questionnaire, underwent an ENT examination and underwent sleep laboratory analysis using a portable sleep lab device. The average time since LAUP treatment was 11 years. The cohort comprised 25 patients. The average preoperative apnea-hypopnea-index (AHI) score was 25.25/h; the average postoperative AHI score 23.62/h. Closer examination of our data enabled us to identify 10 responders (40%) and 15 non-responders (60%). 12% (3/25) of non-responders experienced either no reduction in their AHI score or an increase compared to their preoperative AHI score of less than 5/h. In the remaining 48% (12/25), AHI increased by more than 5/h compared to the preoperative figure. Our questionnaire showed that 40% (10/25) of patients suffered from dry mouth and 20% (5/25) from foreign body sensation. The data led us to conclude that laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty can indeed result in a reduction in AHI score comparable to other mucosal resection methods. Also in common with these methods, the efficacy of the therapy reduces with time and the procedure carries a high risk of bringing about an increase in the patient's AHI score.

Redefining the timing of surgery for obstructive sleep apnea in anatomically favorable patients

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Healthcare remunerating agencies in North America require patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to undergo a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) trial before funding surgical therapy. The adherence rate of CPAP is problematic. This study's objective was to determine the proportion of surgically favorable patients who failed CPAP who subsequently benefitted from surgical therapy, and to explore consideration of surgical therapy as first-line treatment in this specific OSA subpopulation.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Patients with moderate-severe OSA who had failed a minimum 6-month trial of CPAP were recruited. All had optimal anatomy for surgery and underwent tonsillectomy with palatoplasty ± septoplasty. Outcome measures included apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI-E), and blood pressure. Patients were followed for 1 year.

RESULTS

By AHI measurement, 85.7% of patients in the entire cohort were successfully treated by surgery. ESS while on CPAP was 13.7 ± 2.9, improving to 4.1 ± 2.5 after surgery. SAQLI-E scores on CPAP were 25.7 ± 5.8, improving to 10.2 ± 3.2 after surgery. Blood pressure remained elevated during CPAP but normalized after surgery. All changes were significant at P < .001.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical intervention improved OSA severity as measured by the ESS, SAQLI-E, and blood pressure. These measures had not improved on CPAP. AHI improved as well. Our results suggest that certain patients with OSA may be managed more effectively with surgery than CPAP, without confounding issues of treatment adherence and with only minor surgical risk.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2 Laryngoscope 124:S1-S9, 2014.

Palatal implants for persistent snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea after laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty

Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) was widely performed in 1990s as a surgical therapeutic procedure to improve snoring or mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, LAUP is not currently recommended as a treatment for OSA because the evidence for its efficacy is insufficient. Little is known about alternative minimally invasive surgery in patients who refuse continuous positive airway pressure or oral appliance after failed LAUP. We present a case of successful surgical treatment of persistent snoring and mild OSA with palatal implants after LAUP. This case suggests that palatal implants may be offered as an alternative surgical procedure for selective patients with persistent or recurrent snoring or mild OSA after LAUP.

Advances in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

The treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) described in this paper represent the latest information and data. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure, initially described in 1981, remains the cornerstone of therapy. Advances in mask interfaces, the use of humidification, the downloading of usage information, the development of pressure delivery modifications, and reductions in the size and noise of the machines have improved the devices over the past decade. Nevertheless, the basic premise of positive pressure delivery to splint the airway remains the primary driver of efficacy. Surgery for OSA, other than tracheostomy, has also been used for about the same period (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty was also initially described in 1981), but its efficacy has probably improved only marginally. The advances in surgical techniques have come through improved patient selection, minimally invasive techniques, and the performance of outcome studies. Surgery clearly remains a second-line or third-line therapy for moderate to severe OSA. Dental appliances were also introduced over two decades ago and clearly have become more mainstream in our treatment approach to OSA. Dental appliances are now considered a reasonable first-line therapy for mild OSA and perhaps even for some patients with moderate OSA. Custom-made appliances are clearly superior to those that cannot be adjusted, and in the hands of an experienced dentist or similarly trained expert, they are moderately successful for most patients. Among the newer therapies, transnasal insufflation and nasal expiratory resistance clearly have promise, again for patients with mild to moderate OSA. Further study may determine who will benefit from such modalities. No medications have been shown to have clinically significant efficacy, and drug treatment remains adjunctive.

The surgical treatment of sleep-related upper airway obstruction

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common disorder among adults: the prevalence of mild OSA is 20%, and that of moderate or severe OSA is 6% to 7%. Simple snoring is even more common. Conservative treatments such as nocturnal ventilation therapy and oral appliances are successful as long as the patient actually uses them, but they do not eliminate the underlying obstruction of the upper airway.

METHOD

The relevant literature up to 2008 on the surgical treatment of OSA was selectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Five types of surgical treatment for OSA are available, each for its own indications: optimization of the nasal airway to support nasal ventilation therapy, (adeno-)tonsillectomy as first-line treatment for OSA in children, minimally invasive surgery for simple snoring and mild OSA, invasive surgery as first- and second-line treatment for mild OSA, and invasive multilevel surgery as second-line treatment of moderate to severe OSA that remains refractory to ventilation therapy.

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment for OSA is appropriate for specific indications as a complement to the established conservative treatment methods.

Frequency of serious complications after surgery for snoring and sleep apnea

CONCLUSION

No case of death related to surgery in the form of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, uvulopalatoplasty or nasal surgery for snoring or sleep apnea has been recorded in Sweden among 4876 patients treated between 1997 and 2005. Severe complications of surgery in the peri- and postoperative period, especially in the form of bleedings and infections, were most common after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, occurring in 3.7%.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the frequency of serious complications, including death, of surgery for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea.

METHODS

All Swedish adults who were treated surgically because of snoring or sleep apnea from January 1997 to December 2005 were identified in the National Patient Register. Mortality and serious complications within 30 days from surgery were obtained from the National Cause of Death Register and the National Patient Register.

RESULTS

A total of 4876 patients were treated surgically. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty was performed in 3572 patients, uvulopalatoplasty in 929 patients, and nasal surgery in 375 patients. None of the surgically treated patients died in the peri- and postoperative period. Severe complications, mainly bleedings and infections, were recorded in 37.1 per 1000 patients treated with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, in 5.6 per 1000 patients after uvulopalatoplasty, and in 8.8 per 1000 patients after nasal surgery.

Surgical modifications of the upper airway for obstructive sleep apnea in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

A substantial portion of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) seek alternatives to positive airway pressure (PAP), the usual first-line treatment for the disorder. One option is upper airway surgery. As an adjunct to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Standards of Practice paper, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature reporting outcomes following various upper airway surgeries for the treatment of OSA in adults, including maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), pharyngeal surgeries such as uvulopharyngopalatoplasty (UPPP), laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), as well as multi-level and multi-phased procedures. We found that the published literature is comprised primarily of case series, with few controlled trials and varying approaches to pre-operative evaluation and post-operative follow-up. We include surgical morbidity and adverse events where reported but these were not systematically analyzed. Utilizing the ratio of means method, we used the change in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) as the primary measure of efficacy. Substantial and consistent reductions in the AHI were observed following MMA; adverse events were uncommonly reported. Outcomes following pharyngeal surgeries were less consistent; adverse events were reported more commonly. Papers describing positive outcomes associated with newer pharyngeal techniques and multi-level procedures performed in small samples of patients appear promising. Further research is needed to better clarify patient selection, as well as efficacy and safety of upper airway surgery in those with OSA.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: natural history, diagnosis, and emerging treatment options

Sleep apnea is an entity characterized by repetitive upper airway obstruction resulting in nocturnal hypoxia and sleep fragmentation. It is estimated that 2%-4% of the middle-aged population has sleep apnea with a predilection in men relative to women. Risk factors of sleep apnea include obesity, gender, age, menopause, familial factors, craniofacial abnormalities, and alcohol. Sleep apnea has been increasingly recognized as a major health burden associated with hypertension and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Increased airway collapsibility and derangement in ventilatory control responses are the major pathological features of this disorder. Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold-standard method for diagnosis of sleep apnea and assessment of sleep apnea severity; however, portable sleep monitoring has a diagnostic role in the setting of high pretest probability sleep apnea in the absence of significant comorbidity. Positive pressure therapy is the mainstay therapy of sleep apnea. Other treatment modalities, such as upper airway surgery or oral appliances, may be used for the treatment of sleep apnea in select cases. In this review, we focus on describing the sleep apnea definition, risk factor profile, underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms, associated adverse consequences, diagnostic modalities, and treatment strategies.

Surgical options for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition characterized by repetitive airway obstruction during sleep with associated increased morbidity and mortality. Although CPAP is the preferred treatment, poor compliance is common. Patients intolerant of conventional OSA medical treatment may benefit from surgical therapy to alleviate pharyngeal obstruction. Case series suggest that maxillomandibular advancement has the highest surgical efficacy (86%) and cure rate (43%). Soft palate surgical techniques are less successful, with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty having an OSA surgical success rate of 50% and cure rate of 16%. Further research is needed to more thoroughly assess clinical outcomes (eg, quality of life, morbidity), better identify key preoperative patient and clinical characteristics that predict success, and confirm long-term effectiveness of surgical modalities to treat OSA.

[Guideline: Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in adults]

The current guideline discusses conservative and surgical therapy of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults from the perspective of the ear, nose and throat specialist. The revised guideline was commissioned by the German Society of Ear-Nose-Throat, Head-Neck Surgery (DG HNO KHC) and compiled by the DG HNO KHC's Working Group on Sleep Medicine. The guideline was based on a formal consensus procedure according to the guidelines set out by the German Association of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF) in the form of a"S2e guideline". Research of the literature available on the subject up to and including December 2008 forms the basis for the recommendations. Evaluation of the publications found was made according to the recommendations of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM). This yielded a recommendation grade, whereby grade A represents highly evidence-based studies and grade D those with a low evidence base.

Reconstruction of airway soft tissues in obstructive sleep apnea

Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea is multimodal. Procedures and aims of treatment vary. Surgery, medical devices, and medical therapy each may contribute to individualized patient care. There is no single procedure or intervention that "cures" upper airway obstruction. Treatment varies as the disease varies. In addition, surgical treatment varies because the level of obstruction and influence on air flow occurs at multiple levels and from many structures. This article is not intended as a critical assessment of surgical outcomes but rather focuses on airway structures and the nature of the procedures applied to influence them.

Obstructive sleep apnea - management update

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly significant condition based both on the high prevalence in community and significant consequences. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), OSA together with hypersomnolence, is seen in 4% of middle-aged men and 2% of middle-aged women. OSA is associated with impaired quality of life and increased risks of motor vehicle accidents, cardiovascular disease (including hypertension and coronary artery disease), and metabolic syndrome. There is some evidence for the use of conservative interventions such as weight loss and position modification. CPAP remains the mainstay of treatment in this condition with high-level evidence supporting its efficacy. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an intrusive therapy, with long-term adherence rates of less than 70%. Dental appliances have been shown to be effective therapy in some subjects but are limited by the inability to predict treatment responders. Alternative treatments are discussed but there is little role for upper airway surgery (except in a select few experienced institutions) or pharmacological treatment. The current levels of evidence for the different treatment regimens are reviewed.

Oropharyngeal surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea in CPAP failures

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), albeit effective management, is poorly tolerated. This study looks at the role of laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) in patients with moderate and severe OSA who would not tolerate CPAP. All subjects underwent dynamic sleep nasendoscopy to determine the anatomical level of obstruction and their suitability for the procedure. Twenty subjects were included. Pre-procedure mean apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 47.9 per hour (21.3-101) and mean Epworth sleepiness score 15.6 (4-23). Post operative polysomnography at >or=4 months showed a 73% reduction in AHI to a mean of 12.9 per hour. Two subjects still required CPAP post procedure but both at reduced pressure. Epworth sleepiness questionnaire scores were reduced by a mean of 7.9 points. There was no confounding weight loss. The finding that LAUP offers an effective instrument to reduce the severity of OSA in patients intolerant of CPAP results disagree with the conclusion of the recent Cochrane Collabration review of surgery for OSA. We believe this is due to the careful selection of patients for LAUP based on the anatomical level of obstruction as opposed to random selection.

Surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome(OSAHS) is the periodic reduction or cessation of airflow during sleep. The syndrome is associated with loud snoring, disrupted sleep and observed apnoeas. Surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome aims to alleviate symptoms of daytime sleepiness, improve quality of life, and reduce the signs of sleep apnoea recorded by polysomnography.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of any type of surgery for the treatment of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome in adults.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register and reference lists of articles. We contacted experts in the field, research dissemination bodies and other Cochrane Review Groups. Searches were current as of July 2005.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials comparing any surgical intervention for obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome with other surgical or non-surgical interventions or no intervention.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers assessed electronic literature search results for possibly relevant studies. Characteristics and data from studies meeting the inclusion criteria were extracted and entered into RevMan 4.2.

MAIN RESULTS

In the 2005 update for this review eight studies (412 participants) of mixed quality met the inclusion criteria. Data from seven studies were eligible for assessment in the review. No data could be pooled. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) versus conservative management (one trial): An un validated symptom score showed intermittent significant differences over a 12-month follow-up period. No differences in Polysomnography (PSG) outcomes were reported. Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) versus conservative management/placebo (two trials): One study recruited mixed a population, and separate data could not be obtained for this trial. In the other study no significant differences in Epworth scores or quality of life reported. A significant difference in favour of LAUP was reported in terms of apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) and frequency and intensity of snoring. UPPP versus oral appliance (OA) (one trial): AHI was significantly lower with OA therapy than with UPPP. No significant differences were observed in quality of life. UPPP versus lateral pharyngoplasty (lateral PP) (one trial): No significant difference in Epworth scores, but a greater reduction in AHI with lateral PP was reported. Tongue advancement (mandibular osteotomy) + PPP versus tongue suspension + PPP (one trial): There was a significant reduction in symptoms in both groups, but no significant difference between the two surgery types. Complications reported with all surgical techniques included nasal regurgitation, pain and bleeding. These did not persist in the long term. An additional study assessed the effects of four different techniques. No data were available on between group comparisons. Multilevel temperature-controlled radiofrequency tissue ablation (TCRFTA) versus sham placebo and CPAP (one trial): There was an improvement in primary and secondary outcomes of TCRFTA over sham placebo and but no difference in symptomatic improvement when compared with CPAP.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There are now a small number of trials assessing different surgical techniques with inactive and active control treatments. The studies assembled in the review do not provide evidence to support the use of surgery in sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome, as overall significant benefit has not been demonstrated. The participants recruited to the studies had mixed levels of AHI, but tended to suffer from moderate daytime sleepiness where this was measured. Short-term outcomes are unlikely to consistently identify suitable candidates for surgery. Long-term follow-up of patients who undergo surgical correction of upper airway obstruction is required. This would help to determine whether surgery is a curative intervention, or whether there is a tendency for the signs and symptoms of sleep apnoea to re-assert themselves, prompting patients to seek further treatment for sleep apnoea.

Sleep x 9: an approach to treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome including upper airway surgery

This article provides an overview of the management of the obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS). Where possible, recommendations are based on a review of the relevant literature. With the exception of nasal continuous positive airway pressure, which is considered in greater detail elsewhere in the series, and certain oral appliances, the efficacy of many proposed treatments for OSAHS is not supported by data from randomised controlled clinical trials. To a considerable extent, treatment recommendations are based on data from uncontrolled studies, case series, consensus guidelines, practice parameters, and other less rigorous forms of evidence.

Hemodynamics and oxygen saturation during intravenous sedation for office-based laser-assisted uvuloplasty

PURPOSE

Patients undergoing office-based laser-assisted uvuloplasty (LAUP) for snoring or mild obstructive sleep apnea are generally obese and have a high Mallampati score. Because avoidance of supplemental oxygen during laser procedures is generally mandated, the potential for intraoperative desaturation is high. This study was designed to look at intraoperative hemodynamic changes, respiration patterns, and oxygen saturations during intravenous sedation with midazolam and fentanyl during LAUP procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective anesthesia chart review of 15 consecutive patients undergoing midazolam/fentanyl intravenous sedation for office-based LAUP treatment for snoring and/or mild obstructive sleep apnea. Data recorded were noninvasive baseline and intraoperative hemodynamic measurements at 5-minute intervals for systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse pressure (PP), pulse (P), and rate-pressure product (RPP). Data collected were reported as mean values with standard deviation. Statistical analysis using the Student's t test was performed and found significant for P<.05.

RESULTS

All changes from baseline were statistically insignificant, SBP (P=.4), DBP (P=.2), MAP (P=.2), P (P=.1), PP (P=.9), RPP (P=.5), RR (P=.9), and SpO2 (P=.4), and all within +/-20% of baseline (range, -5.0% to +7.5%).

CONCLUSION

Midazolam and fentanyl intravenous sedation with local anesthesia maintained intraoperative hemodynamic and oxygenation variables close to baseline for office-based LAUP procedures.

Clinical use of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

OBJECTIVE

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) is an emerging ventilatory strategy for adults that has been used successfully in the neonatal and pediatric population. This modality utilizes high mean airway pressures to maintain an open lung and low tidal volumes at a high frequency that allow for adequate ventilation while at the same time preventing alveolar overdistension. With the current understanding that excessive lung stretch and inadequate end-expiratory ventilatory volume may be injurious to the lungs, HFOV seems to be the ideal lung-protective ventilatory mode. During the past 8 yrs, there have been increasing numbers of studies describing its use in adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. This article aims to review the published studies of HFOV in adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome with regard to its safety and efficacy.

DATA SOURCE

To assist us with our review, we did a search of MEDLINE (from 1966 to present) and EMBASE (1980 to present) databases to identify adult, clinical, English-language, research articles related to HFOV use. In addition, we reviewed relevant animal and mechanical ventilation studies. We did not perform a formal systematic review.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The application of HFOV was mainly reported as a rescue ventilatory mode in adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome who were thought to have failed conventional ventilation. In these patients, HFOV has consistently been shown to improve oxygenation without obvious increases in complications measured. There was only one randomized, controlled trial comparing HFOV with conventional ventilation. This study showed that there was a nonsignificant trend toward a lower mortality rate in the HFOV group. In addition, HFOV was as effective and safe as conventional ventilation. Although there are limitations, multiple studies have shown that earlier initiation of HFOV in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome may also be associated with a lower mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

HFOV seems to be safe and effective for adults with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome who have failed conventional ventilation. Further research is needed to determine the ideal patients, timing, and optimal technique with which to provide HFOV. When considering HFOV as an early, lung-protective mode of ventilation, there is still a need to perform an adequately powered, randomized, controlled trial comparing it with the best available form of conventional ventilation. However, we believe that such a trial should wait until we have a better understanding of HFOV in adults.

Continuous positive airway pressure treatment rapidly improves insulin sensitivity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is typically associated with conditions known to increase insulin resistance as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. We investigated whether obstructive sleep apnea itself is an independent risk factor for increased insulin resistance and whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment improves insulin sensitivity. Forty patients (apnea-hypopnea index > 20) were treated with CPAP. Before, 2 days after, and after 3 months of effective CPAP treatment, hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp studies were performed. Insulin sensitivity significantly increased after 2 days (5.75 +/- 4.20 baseline versus 6.79 +/- 4.91 micromol/kg.min; p = 0.003) and remained stable after 3 months of treatment. The improvement in insulin sensitivity after 2 days was much greater in patients with a body mass index less than 30 kg/m2 than in more obese patients. The improved insulin sensitivity after 2 nights of treatment may reflect a decreasing sympathetic activity, indicating that sleep apnea is an independent risk factor for increased insulin resistance. The effect of CPAP on insulin sensitivity is smaller in obese patients than in nonobese patients, suggesting that in obese individuals insulin sensitivity is mainly determined by obesity and, to a smaller extent, by sleep apnea.