Roles and Evidence for Reconstructive Sleep Surgery

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: There is an increasing role for sleep surgery in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, but a majority of otolaryngologists now performing sleep surgery are limited to hypoglossal nerve stimulator implantation, a result of major influence and recruitment by industry. There is a growing number of surgeons who do not have confidence in other reconstructive surgical treatments, despite the limitations of hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy. This challenge is compounded by the constant evolution of reconstructive techniques making it difficult for practitioners to stay abreast of the latest techniques.

There is growing and high-level evidence of the benefits of reconstructive sleep surgery in properly selected patients. This didactic expert lecture will review the roles and approaches of sleep apnea surgery, and it will highlight the breadth of sleep apneas surgery, which extends far beyond nerve stimulator, UPPP, or jaw advancement. This understanding of surgery can help providers consider and apply that mode of therapy appropriately and effectively. In addition to an understanding of the breadth of surgery, it is key for the audience to learn about and lean on the growing high-level evidence that support the roles of surgery. A new American Academy of Sleep Medicine guideline makes recommendations to sleep medicine and primary care providers on when to refer for sleep surgery, and this didactic Expert Lecture will help prepare otolaryngologists for such referrals.