Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of Surgical Innovations and Evolving Technologies

Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) encompasses a spectrum of conditions that disrupt ventilation during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep and impaired gas exchange. Their high prevalence and substantial neurocognitive and mental health outcomes make SRBD clinically significant across multiple medical disciplines. Traditional management includes lifestyle modifications and positive airway pressure (PAP). When non-surgical measures fail or anatomical factors predominate, a range of surgical approaches may be employed, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or maxillomandibular advancement (MMA). There are many notable emerging surgical advancements, such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS), transoral robotic surgery (TORS), and minimally invasive radiofrequency technologies (RFA), that have offered improved outcomes for select patients. Advances in diagnostic tools, such as portable home sleep technologies and drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), further support precision-based care. Collectively, the expanding range of therapeutic and diagnostic innovations is enabling clinicians to deliver individualized care and improve long-term outcomes for patients with SRBD.