Treating obstructive sleep apnea - the role of nasal and oropharyngeal surgery

Background: Sleep disorders are a family of pathologies that have gain a lot of visibility in the recent years due to the fact that more and more people are diagnosed with such problems. The high incidence of risk factors especially obesity, nicotine and alcohol abuse and the modern and fast way of life have made the incidence of sleep disorders to rise. Otolaryngologist have always tried to be in the front line of treating sleep disordered breathing spectrum like upper airway respiratory syndrome or obstructive sleep apnea. Treating sleep disorders is a daunting task due to the fact that the mechanism of sleep disorders still puzzles doctors all over the world. Patients with sleep disorders are complex patients and should be evaluated in a multidisciplinary team for a correct approach to the disease. Methods: We present our experience in diagnosing and treating 45 patients with sleep breathing disorders specifically obstructive sleep apnea and the results we have obtained after surgical interventions were performed. Results: Many patients with sleep disorders especially obstructive sleep apnea are treated with continuous positive airway pressure without being informed of surgical options. Although CPAP is considered the gold standard in treating obstructive sleep apnea the advances in technology have made surgical options to have similar results if done correctly. Conclusion: Patients with sleep breathing disorders are complex patients that need to be assessed in a multidisciplinary team. Surgical options can alleviate symptoms and improve both subjective and objective parameters and can improve the overall quality of life. Treating sleep disorders is necessary due to the fact that left untreated they can pose serious problems for the patient and can even have fatal consequences.