Surgery and obstructive sleep apnea: Long‐term clinical outcomes

OBJECTIVE Outcome data on the surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea are, in general, based on short‐term follow‐up (<6‐9 months). This examination was undertaken to assess long‐term results. METHODS Forty patients who underwent soft tissue and skeletal surgery were the subjects of this review. Methods of evaluation included polysomnographic variables (respiratory disturbance index [RDI], low oxyhemoglobin desaturation [LSAT]), body mass index, quality‐of‐life assessments, roentgenographic analysis, and complications. Statistical analysis used the SAS 6.12 system. RESULTS Thirty‐six of 40 patients (90%) showed long‐term clinical success. The mean preoperative RDI, nasal continuous positive airway pressure RDI, and long‐term RDI were 71.2 ± 27.0, 7.6 ± 5.2 and 7.6 ± 5.1, respectively. The mean preoperative LSAT, nasal continuous positive airway pressure LSAT, and long‐term LSAT were 67.5% ± 14.8%, 87.1% ± 3.2%, and 86.3% ± 3.9%, respectively. The mean follow‐up was 50.7 ± 31.9 months. The patients showed a statistically significant long‐term weight gain ( P = 0.0002) compared with their 6‐month postoperative level (body mass index 31.4 ± 6.7 vs 32.2 ± 6.3). There was a positive correlation with the amount of skeletal advancement and clinical outcome. CONCLUSION Comprehensive evaluation and surgical treatment can result in successful long‐term clinical outcome.