Outcomes in single-stage multilevel surgery for obstructive sleep apnea: Transoral robotic surgery, expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty and septoplasty.

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.