Personalized Reconstructive Palatopharyngoplasty

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: There is an increasing role for sleep surgery in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, and most general otolaryngologists provide some sleep surgery interventions. However, 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 modern reconstructive surgical treatments, despite the limitations of hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy on the upper pharynx and soft palate. This challenge is compounded by the constant evolution of reconstructive techniques making it difficult for practitioners to stay abreast of the latest techniques. This course will describe specific technical pearls and approaches to the application of personalized palate and oropharyngeal surgery for the treatment of sleep apnea. Both presenters have very busy sleep surgery practices that encompass the full range of surgical treatments, and both teach extensively including multi-day cadaver dissection courses on sleep surgery. They will share practical clinical and surgical tips for a wide variety of reconstructive palatopharyngoplasty procedures, as well as pearls on the surgical evaluation for personalizing the surgical techniques. Where their views diverge, they will offer the pros and cons as well as the rationale for their preferred approaches. This course is intended to provide ideas that are immediately useful to the practicing sleep surgeon.