Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: pathophysiology, upper airway evaluation and surgical treatment.

This paper describes the pathophysiology of the upper airway and the methods of evaluation which include mainly the Mueller maneuver, and cephalometrics. The management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is determined by the level of daytime dysfunction, the degree of cardiopulmonary complications, age, co-existing medical problems, life style, and the extent of the upper airway obstruction and abnormality. Continuous positive airway pressure (C-PAP), uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), and permanent tracheostomy are procedures indicated depending on the severity of the case. Midline laser glossectomy was introduced as a new surgical procedure approach to the treatment of OSAS, as an alternative to maxillofacial surgery. When combined with UPPP, the successful results are improved.