International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery · 2019 · 12 citations · 16 references
MedicineOtolaryngologySurgeryOtolaryngologic SurgeryPharyngeal SurgerySleep MedicineAirway SurgeryHypopharyngeal SurgeryOropharyngeal SurgeryPharyngeal ReconstructionSleep SurgeryTransoral Pharyngeal SurgeryApnea-hypopnea Index ReductionExpansion Sphincter PharyngoplastyMultilevel Sleep SurgeryMultilevel SurgeryObstructive Sleep Apnea TreatmentSleep Apnea SyndromeTongue Base ReductionTransoral Robotic Pharyngeal Surgery
BACKGROUND: Many patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) have multiple obstructive sites simultaneously such as the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. Multilevel surgery is starting to be widely performed by ENT surgeons and accepted by patients. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with moderate or severe OSAS were treated with single-stage multilevel surgery. They underwent transoral robotic surgery for tongue base reduction or epiglottoplasty, expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, and septoplasty. RESULTS: The average length of hospitalization was 5.2 ± 0.9 days. No serious complications were observed. At the postoperative control with polysomnography, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) had decreased by at least 50% in 90% of patients; improvements were observed in all sleep parameters. CONCLUSION: Single-stage multilevel surgery has proven to be effective in treating patients with moderate to severe OSAS, without experiencing persistent complaints. Despite multiple levels of obstruction being operated in a single stage, airway safety was maintained in all patients.
16