Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndromes

Abstract

The detection, correction or withdrawal of any cause or associated factor including obesity, drugs or alcohol is essential in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Treatment is mainly mechanical or surgical, but not medical. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) has now largely replaced tracheostomy and successful long-term domestic use of this method has been reported on many occasions. Oropharyngeal surgery can solve a large part of social snoring problems. However criteria for procedure selection and evaluation of results are still needed to clarify the indication of this operation in patients with full clinical expression of the syndrome. In this regard, a comprehensive preoperative evaluation and a logical approach to the reconstruction of the upper-airway has recently led to the association of palatopharyngoplasty and maxillo-mandibular surgery, with an excellent long-term success rate.