Subjective outcomes of maxillomandibular advancement surgery for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate subjective outcomes and use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) after maxillomandibular advancement surgery for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A self-administered questionnaire was completed pre- and postoperatively by 116 patients who underwent maxillomandibular advancement surgery for treatment of OSAS from February 2000 through September 2010. The questionnaire included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) for assessment of daytime somnolence and questions regarding snoring, witnessed apneas, CPAP use, and overall satisfaction.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, 40% of patients were very sleepy (ESS ≥16), 32% were sleepy (ESS 10 to 16), and 28% were not sleepy (ESS ≤10). Postoperatively, only 1 patient (<1%) was very sleepy, 9% were sleepy, and 90% were not sleepy (McNemar test, P < .001). The mean ESS score for the very sleepy, sleepy, and not-sleepy groups decreased from 18.3 to 5.9, 12.9 to 4.4, and 7.3 to 4.5, respectively (P < .001). Surgery decreased snoring by 83%, witnessed apneas by 94%, and CPAP use by 96% (P < .001). The surgery was judged to be worthwhile by 89% of patients, and 95% of patients said they would recommend the treatment to other patients with OSAS.

CONCLUSIONS

Maxillomandibular advancement surgery for treatment of OSAS is very effective at improving excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, and witnessed apneas. Most patients in this study were able to discontinue the use of CPAP after surgery. Overall, patients reported the treatment to be worthwhile and would recommend it to others.