Genioglossus Advancement Research Articles

The Utility of 3D-printed Cutting Guides in Genioglossus Advancement

Genioglossus advancement is a surgical technique performed to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The genial tubercle, where the genioglossus muscle attaches, is not visible during dissection due to its location on the posterior mandible. Computer-aided design, particularly for the production of cutting guides, has arisen as a modern modification in the procedure to support accurate location of the tubercle. This study aims to demonstrate the utility of cutting guides designed by virtual surgical planning in a series of 7 genioglossus advancement cases. Computed Tomography (CT) data were preoperatively collected and rendered in three-dimension. The surgeon designed patient-specific cutting guides, registered to the occlusion, to ensure the genial tubercle was included in the osteotomy and stayed below the incisor tooth roots. These surgical guides were then 3D-printed. All the virtual surgical planning-designed guides fit appropriately, the genial tubercle was successfully included in the osteotomy in all cases, and no tooth roots were injured. We conclude that occlusal-based 3D printed cutting guides are a useful adjunct to help guide a genioglossus advancement procedure by accurately incorporating the genial tubercle. This provides a safe way to concurrently address correction of obstructive sleep apnea in patients undergoing other procedures.

3D Genial Tubercle Anatomic Considerations in Genioglossus Advancement Surgery.

To qualitatively describe variation in morphology of the genial tubercle and quantify the spatial relationship between the tubercle and genioglossus muscle. Case series. Cadaver dissection. Segmental sections of the mandible, with muscular attachments intact, were harvested from 18 fresh cadaver heads. Three-dimensional laser scans, with a resolution of 0.025 mm, were taken of each specimen with muscle attached and repeated after muscle removal. The genioglossus muscular attachment was measured relation to bony landmarks. The morphology of the genial tubercle varied, with anywhere from 1 large spine to 4 individual spines. However, all specimens had a distinguishable superior portion of the tubercle, where the genioglossus attached, and an inferior portion, where the geniohyoid attached. The height of the superior tubercle (ST) was 6.1 mm (95% confidence inerval [CI]: 5.7-6.5). The height of the genioglossus muscle above the peak amplitude of the ST was 4.3 mm (3.8-4.9), but only 2.5 mm (2.0-3.0) below. On average, 64.4% (58.6-70.2) of the height of the genioglossus muscle attachment was above the peak. Overall, 19.5% (14.1-25.0) of the muscle surface area extended beyond the boundaries of the tubercle. The genioglossus muscle attachment originates from the superior genial tubercle, which has a variable topography and amplitude. However, the muscle is not centered on the spines-more of the muscular fibers attach above the spine as compared to below. This new data may explain the genioglossus advancement "miss rate"-failure to advance muscle on initial osteotomy-of 39-78% reported in the literature.

Three-Dimensional Airway Changes and AHI Reduction Following Maxillomandibular Advancement and Genioglossus Advancement in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Three-Dimensional Airway Changes and AHI Reduction Following Maxillomandibular Advancement and Genioglossus Advancement in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Genioglossus Advancement: Technique Modification for Improved Chin Contour.

Genioglossus advancement plays an important role in the armamentarium of the obstructive sleep apnea surgeon and has gone through many iterations over several decades. A recently described technique involves creating a box osteotomy, which is carried through the inferior border of the mandible in order to increase recruitment of the suprahyoid musculature. Here we introduce a further modification of the technique that uses virtual planning to improve the safety and accuracy of genial tubercle capture. In addition, angulation of the lateral osteotomies enhances bone to bone contact. Before the osteotomy, the surgeon has the opportunity to drill the buccal plate to reduce the chin profile. This approach is particularly valuable in the patient who is prognathic at baseline or who becomes prognathic after simultaneous maxillomandibular advancement. Here we discuss this unique approach, demonstrating how the patient profile may be balanced even as the genial tubercle is advanced.

The Effect of Pharyngeal Surgery on Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Meta-Analysis.

There is controversy about the effect of pharyngeal surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on positive airway pressure (PAP) adherence, and the related results of meta-analysis have not yet been available. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the effect of pharyngeal OSA surgery on PAP therapy parameters such as optimal pressure levels and usage time. We selected studies investigating optimal PAP levels or usage time before and after pharyngeal OSA surgery, regardless of the study design. Pharyngeal OSA surgery included uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and its variants, tonsillectomy, Pillar implants, radiofrequency ablation, tongue base surgery and its variants, and genioglossus advancement. Studies in which isolated nasal surgery was performed were excluded. The random-effects model was used due to significant heterogeneity among the studies. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis of optimal PAP levels, and five studies in the meta-analysis of PAP usage time. After pharyngeal OSA surgery, the summed optimal PAP level was significantly decreased (standardized mean difference (SMD), -1.113; 95% confidence interval (CI), -1.667 to -0.559)), and the summed usage time of PAP was significantly increased (SMD, 0.794; 95% CI, 0.259 to 1.329). This study illustrated that pharyngeal OSA surgery lowered optimal PAP levels and enhanced PAP usage time. The results of the meta-analysis contribute to our understanding of the role of pharyngeal OSA surgery in patients with PAP intolerance.

Surgical Outcomes for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Korea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common chronic sleep disorder that causes oxygen desaturations, sympathetic hyperactivation, and sleep fragmentation. The gold standard for OSA treatment in adults is positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, which is effective when used during sleep. However, about half of patients with OSA refuse or are non-adherent to PAP, and some patients have anatomical problems that can be alleviated surgically. Surgery can be considered for patients who are very likely to have successful surgical results, but who are intolerant to PAP or oral appliances because of anatomical abnormalities. There are various surgical modifications of the upper airway for OSA, including nasal surgeries (e.g., septoplasty, turbinoplasty, and endoscopic sinus surgery), nasopharyngeal surgeries, oral and oropharyngeal surgeries (e.g., uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and variations, tonsillectomy, and palatal implants), hypopharyngeal surgeries (e.g., tongue ablation, tongue-base resection, and genioglossus advancement), and multi-level surgeries. Much clinical research has reported the outcomes of various surgical procedures for OSA internationally based on the traditional surgical success rate (defined as ≥ 50% reduction in the postoperative apnea-hypopnea index [AHI], postoperative AHI < 20), and AHI reduction ratio (defined as between the preoperative and postoperative AHI). In addition, many studies investigating the results of various OSA surgeries have been reported in Korea. In this article, we review the characteristics of various upper airway surgical procedures for OSA, global surgical results for OSA, and current surgical outcomes for OSA in Korea.

Comparison of airway changes after maxillomandibular advancement with or without genial tubercle advancement in obstructive sleep apnea using cone-beam computed tomography

This study compared the airway changes of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) with or without genial tubercle advancement (GTA) using cone-beam computed tomography. The authors retrospectively studied 26 patients with moderate to severe OSA who underwent MMA with or without GTA. Airway changes were determined from preoperative and postoperative 3-dimensional reconstructed cone-beam computed tomography images. The Wilcoxon signed rank test, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Spearman correlation coefficients were used in data analysis. Airway was changed in all dimensions significantly after MMA with or without GTA. There was no significant difference in horizontal surgical changes between MMA and MMA with the GTA group. The mean increase in total airway volume was 66.8% for MMA alone and 74.7% for MMA with GTA (P= 0.39). Patients who underwent MMA had a larger percentage change of segmented upper airway volume than patients with MMA and GTA (106.6% vs 85.3%; P= 0.65). The group with MMA and GTA had a greater percentage change of segmented lower airway volume than the MMA alone group (80.1% vs 56.3%; P= 0.42). Differences in airway changes between MMA alone and MMA with GTA were not statistically significant. Performing the GTA concomitantly with MMA may not cause greater improvement in the pharyngeal airway in patients with OSA compared with MMA alone.

0333 Gender and Menopausal Status Correlate with Sleep Surgery Outcome

Abstract Introduction With recognized anatomic and physiological differences between males and females, it is critical to describe outcomes of sleep surgery with respect to gender. The objective of this study is to compare the subjective and objective outcomes of phase I sleep surgery with respect to gender and age. Methods This was a retrospective review of adult subjects who presented to a single center for surgical evaluation of OSA from January 2019 to June 2021. Only subjects undergoing phase I surgery (turbinate reduction, septoplasty, nasal valve surgery, DOME, tonsillectomy, preservation palatopharyngoplasty, tongue base reduction, genioglossus advancement, and upper airway stimulation), who also had complete pre and post-operative PSG data were included. Objective measures were post operative apnea hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and lowest oxygen saturations (LOS). Subjective outcomes include Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness (NOSE) questionnaires. The groups were matched for age and pre-operative BMI. Results Twenty-six subjects met inclusion criteria, of which 12 were female and 13 were males. Of the females 5 were post-menopausal. The average male pre-operative AHI, ODI, lowest SpO2, and ESS were 34.4± 28.7, 30.2±28.3, 80.7±6.6, and 10.3±5.6 respectively. Pre-operative values for females were, 31.9±19.2, 18.47±20.4, 82.8±8.4, and 12.5±4.8 respectively. The average AHI reduction in males was 25.5± 29.1, and for females it was 8.3±21.0 (p=0.042). Specific to post-menopausal females, Average AHI reduction was 8.3± 21.0 and 20.2±16.6 for pre-menopausal females (p=0.01). The average ESS reduction in males was 3.1±3.2 (p=0.22) and for females 5.5±5.4 (p=0.001). Conclusion In this cohort, pre-menopausal women have higher objective surgical success rate (Sher’s criteria) after phase I surgery as compared to post-menopausal women. Men respond more favorably than women to phase I surgery based on AHI reduction, but not with ESS. Gender and menopause status are important factors in evaluating efficacy of sleep surgery. Support (If Any)

The changes in oral volume and hyoid bone position after maxillomandibular advancement and genioglossus advancement for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) and genioglossus advancement (GA) are surgeries for patients with obstructive sleep apnea(OSA). Postoperative evaluation is primarily based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) measured by polysomnography. The purpose of this study was to identify the timing of hyoid bone relocation after MMA and GA surgery and to investigate whether or nothyoid bone relocation can be an indicator of postoperative evaluation of OSA. Patients with OSAunderwent MMA and GA surgery. Changes in hyoid bone position and tongue-to-oral volume ratio were analyzed on lateral radiographs before, immediately after, and 1year after surgery. Then, a correlation was verified between these changes and postoperative AHI. In18 patients studied, the position of the hyoid bone did not show a constant tendency immediately after surgery. One year after surgery, the bone had moved anteriorly and toward the oral cavity in all patients compared to its preoperative position. And AHI correlated with the movement of the hyoid bone to the oral side. One year after surgery, the tongue was adapted to the newly enlarged oral space, and as a result, the low position of the hyoid bone before the operation was improved. The findings suggest that the degree of loweringof the hyoid bone may be an indicator of the improvement of AHI.

Modified genioglossus advancement with radiofrequency tongue base reduction for retroglossal collapse in Obstructive sleep apnea patients

ObjectiveTo study the combined effect of modified genioglossus advancement (MGGA) and radiofrequency tongue base reduction (RFTBR) a long with anterolateral advancement (ALA) pharyngolplasty on OSA patients with retrolingual airway collapse. Study designProspective clinical study. SettingZagazig and Benha Universities Medical Hospitals. Patients and methodsTwenty-one patients (21)with multilevel OSA underwent modified genioglossus advancement with radiofrequency tongue base reduction and anterolateral advancement pharyngolplasty. All patients were assessed before and 6 months after surgery by history talking, clinical examination, Epworth Sleepiness Scale evaluation fiberoptic examination during muller's maneuver, drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), panoramic X-ray, Cephalometry and polysomnography. ResultsPostoperative mean ± SD Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) significantly decreased from 18.86 ± 2.03to 8.19 ± 1.86 (P-value was <0.001 95% (CI) 9.80 to 11.53).postoperative mean ± SD AHI decreased from 53.39 ± 14.10 to 26.66 ± 5.44 (P-value was <0.001 95% CI 22.37 to 32.81), postoperative mean ± SD LOS increased from 68.33 ± 9.12 to 86.0 ± 4.96 (P-value was <0.001 95% (CI) 15.24 to21.33).Based on cephalometric analysis postoperative mean ± SD PAS at mid retrolingual point in mm increased from 6.43 ± 1.25 to 11.98 ± 1.69 (P-value was <0.001 95% (CI) 4.78 to 6.32), also postoperative mean ± SD Distance between H-MP in mm decreased from 23.38 ± 1.14 to 15.17 ± 0.97 (P-value was 0.001 95% (CI) 7.66 to 8.76).The postoperative mean ± SD distance from hyoid to menton (H-me) in mm decreased from 39.47 ± 2.37to24.83 ± 2.43(P-value was 0.001 95% (CI) 7.31 to 8.41), the mean ± SD distance of genioglossus muscle advancement in mm was 14.45 ± 1.12.With a success rate defined as AHI < 20 and/or 50% reduction in AHI of the pre- operative value, the surgical success was 81%. ConclusionMGGA with RFTBR along with anterolateral advancement pharyngoplasty in a single session is well tolerated and safe surgery in the treatment of multilevel OSA patients. It is effective in reducing respiratory parameters and subjective symptoms of OSA.

Effect of modified genioglosuss advancement on hyoid bone position: Cephalometric study

ObjectiveTo assess Hyoid bone position and retrolingual airway space after Modified Genioglossus Advancement Surgery by cephalometry in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Study designProspective study. SettingZagazig University Hospital. MethodsEighteen patients with moderate to severe OSA having multilevel airway obstruction confirmed by fiberoptic endoscopy during Muller's maneuver and DISE. All patients underwent modified genioglossus advancement surgery associated with antrolateral advancement pharyngoplasty. Beside Polysomnography and Drug induced sleep endoscopy, Cephalometry was done preoperatively and 6 months postoperative. ResultsImproved Polysomnography parameters as Postoperative mean ± SD apnea hypopnea index decreased from 52 ± 17.1 to 17 ± 3 (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval 27.71 to 42.41). LOS increased from 79.89 ± 4.43% to 83 ± 4.05% (P 0.07, 95% confidence interval −0.31 to 6.97).Cephalometry analysis showed a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative findings, including: Retrolingual airway space at three levels significantly increased; Level 1 from 6.1 ± 1.6 to 8.5 ± 1.7, Level 2 from 10.5 ± 2.4 to 13.9 ± 2.1, Level 3 from 15.7 ± 3.1 to 21 ± 4, H-GN decreased from 51 ± 7 to 39 ± 8, H-MP decreased from 31.6 ± 7.7 to 24.9 ± 7.3, HS decreased from 121 ± 15 to 102 ± 12, H-PH increased from 29 ± 8 to 43 ± 9. With a success rate defined as AHI <20 and a 50% decrease in AHI of the preoperative value, the surgical success rate was 83.33%. ConclusionThis study showed that Modified genioglossus advancement procedures done for OSA patients significantly changed the position of hyoid bone into a more anterior and superior position and this was reflected in the postoperative Polysomnography.

Comparative Efficacy of Patients with OSA Undergoing Multi-level Surgery followed by Upper Airway Stimulation vs. Isolated Upper Airway Stimulation

PurposeUpper airway stimulation (UAS) via hypoglossal nerve stimulation is a viable management option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Important exclusion criteria for the current UAS protocol include AHI above 65 events per hour or concentric collapse of the velum seen on drug-induced sedation endoscopy (DISE). The authors describe the treatment efficacy of a cohort of UAS patients who were initially ineligible, but who were implanted following multilevel surgery that reversed the exclusion criteria. MethodsThe design in a single-center, retrospective study. Data collection included demographics, body-mass index (BMI), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) titration results, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), Drug Induced Sedation Endoscopy (DISE) results, Epworth sleepiness score (ESS), and Fatigue Severity Score (FSS). ResultsThirty-six subjects underwent UAS implantation (Inspire system, MN, USA) from 2016 to 2019. Eighteen subjects who were initially ineligible for UAS first underwent multi-level surgery, including uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), genioglossus advancement (GGA), distraction osteogenesis maxillary expansion (DOME), or maxillomandibular advancement (MMA). Mean subject age was 62.3±9 years with 28% being female. Mean subject BMI was 29±4kg/m2. Seventeen subjects met the criteria for UAS and underwent surgery. Mean subject age was 62.9±14 years with 12% being female. Mean subject BMI was 26.7±4kg/m2. Mean pre-treatment AHI for 2-staged patients was 49±29 events per hour, which was reduced to 3.6±5 events per hour with an average voltage of 1.8V±0.9. Mean pre-treatment AHI for UAS-only cohort was reduced from 33±14 events per hour to 5.3±6 events per hour with an average voltage of 1.9V±0.3. ConclusionFor patients who are ineligible for UAS due to severity of OSA or concentric collapse of the velum, multilevel surgery including UPPP, GGA, DOME, or MMA followed by UAS confers reliable, effective, and equitable post-treatment results.

The Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Anesthetic Outcomes following Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery

Research supports that maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery is an effective treatment modality for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In a systematic review, Ankichetty, et al, found that the use of alpha 2 agonists in OSA patients reduces the requirement of perioperative analgesics, but no randomized clinical trials with the use of dexmedetomidine (DEX) in OSA patients exist.1 Furthermore, while there are several studies evaluating peri-operative parameters in patients who have undergone Stanford Protocol's Phase I OSA surgeries, published studies regarding the usage of intra-operative DEX and anesthetic outcomes following MMA surgery are difficult to find. The authors seek to elucidate the effects that DEX, an alpha 2 agonist with analgesic, amnesic, and supposed anesthesia-sparing properties, has on patients immediately following MMA surgery.2A search through the sponsoring institution's electronic medical record system was conducted from January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2020, using Current Procedural Terminology codes for bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO), Le Fort I osteotomy with or without bone grafts (LFI), genioplasty, genioglossus advancement, and/or genial bone graft (GG). Two independent investigators (ADC and YJL) reviewed the resultant charts and selected adult patients aged 18 years and older with a diagnosis of OSA. Patients who remained intubated at the conclusion of MMA surgery and whose procedures included solely revision osteotomies were excluded from this study. The remaining 58 patient records underwent a detailed retrospective chart review. Postoperative opioid requirement was calculated as milligrams (mg) of morphine equivalent dosages (MEDs). Univariate analysis was conducted with Pearson's Chi-square to determine the presence of a statistically significant association between cumulative doses of intraoperative DEX and the opioid requirement within the first 8- and 24-hours postoperatively, as well as the time from "Surgery End to Extubation" (EXT). Multiple linear regression and multinomial logistic regression were utilized to evaluate relationships among different doses of medications received and to calculate odds ratios, respectively. Significance was defined as P < .05.There were 58 patients included in this study: 47 (81%) males and 11 (19%) females; 27 (46.6%) had received intraoperative DEX and 31 (53.4%) had not. While all patients underwent at least 2 osteotomies, 49 (84.5%) of patients underwent 4 (i.e., LF1, BSSRO, and GG osteotomies). There was no significant difference detected between cumulative dosage of intraoperative DEX and first 8-hour postoperative narcotic requirement (P = .30). However, a statistically significant association was detected between cumulative dosage of intraoperative DEX and first 24-hour postoperative narcotic requirement (P = .02). Furthermore, patients who received a cumulative DEX dose between 100.1 and 200 micrograms (mcg) received less opioids within the first 24-hour postoperative period than those patients who received > 200mcg of DEX. EXT in patients who received between 100.1 and 200mcg of DEX, as compared to those who did not receive and those who did receive lower amounts of intraoperative DEX, was statistically significantly higher (P = .01 and .02, respectively).In contrary to the conclusions of Ankichetty, et al, and Bamgbade, et al, less intraoperative DEX was found to be significantly associated with lower 24-hour postoperative opioid requirements. This study also suggests that EXT may decrease with lower doses of DEX administered intraoperatively. Well-designed prospective, randomized studies involving larger numbers of patients with OSA undergoing MMA surgery and receiving DEX are warranted.

English

BACKGROUND Analysis of genial tubercle anatomy using three-dimensional (3D) imaging can be valuable in preparation for genioglossus advancement in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea, estimation of the safe zone prior to implant surgery and evaluation of mandibular asymmetry. Hence the intention of the study was to analyse the morphological pattern, dimensions of genial tubercles and their position in the mandible using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 100 patients scanned using Sirona Orthophos XG device in the Radiology department, Saveetha dental college and hospital. The genial tubercles were identified, morphological pattern of the genial tubercles was classified into four patterns and linear measurements of the genial tubercle height, width, position of genial tubercles on the mandible in the images were done. The collected data was tabulated and analysed using SPSS software. A paired t - test was used for intra examiner calibration and a chi-square test was used for comparison between genial tubercle patterns in both the sex. RESULTS On analysing the genial tubercle patterns, type I (44) was the most commonly seen followed by type II (24). Genial tubercles were not evident (type IV) in 20 patients. Type III (12) was least commonly seen among the pattern types. CONCLUSIONS The anatomy of genial tubercles is highly variable. The mean height of genial tubercles (GTH) measured was 5.36 mm and mean width of genial tubercles (GTW) measured was 5.24 mm. KEY WORDS Genial Tubercles, Anatomy, Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Mandible

A preoperative predictive study of advantages of airway changes after maxillomandibular advancement surgery using computational fluid dynamics analysis.

The purpose of this study was to develop a simulation approach for predicting maxillomandibular advancement-induced airway changes using computational fluid dynamics. Eight patients with jaw deformities who underwent maxillomandibular advancement and genioglossus advancement surgery were included in this study. Computed tomography scans and rhinomanometric readings were performed both preoperatively and postoperatively. Computational fluid dynamics models were created, and airflow simulations were performed using computational fluid dynamics software; the preferable number of computational mesh points was at least 10 million cells. The results for the right and left nares, including simulation and postoperative measurements, were qualitatively consistent, and surgery reduced airflow pressure loss. Geometry prediction simulation results were qualitatively consistent with the postoperative stereolithography data and postoperative simulation results. Simulations were performed with either the right or left naris blocked, and the predicted values were similar to those found clinically. In addition, geometry prediction simulation results were qualitatively consistent with the postoperative stereolithography data and postoperative simulation results. These findings suggest that geometry prediction simulation facilitates the preoperative prediction of the postoperative structural outcome.

Referral of adults with obstructive sleep apnea for surgical consultation: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine systematic review, meta-analysis, and GRADE assessment.

This systematic review provides supporting evidence for the accompanying clinical practice guideline on the referral of adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for surgical consultation. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned a task force of experts in sleep medicine. A systematic review was conducted to identify studies that compared the use of upper airway sleep apnea surgery or bariatric surgery to no treatment as well as studies that reported on patient-important and physiologic outcomes pre- and postoperatively. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the clinical significance of using surgery to treat obstructive sleep apnea in adults. Finally, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) process was used to assess the evidence for making recommendations. The literature search resulted in 274 studies that provided data suitable for statistical analyses. The analyses demonstrated that surgery as a rescue therapy results in a clinically significant reduction in excessive sleepiness, snoring, blood pressure (BP), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), and oxygen desaturation index (ODI); an increase in lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) and sleep quality; and an improvement in quality of life in adults with OSA who are intolerant or unaccepting of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. The analyses demonstrated that surgery as an adjunctive therapy results in a clinically significant reduction in optimal PAP pressure and improvement in PAP adherence in adults with OSA who are intolerant or unaccepting of PAP due to side effects associated with high pressure requirements. The analyses also demonstrated that surgery as an initial treatment results in a clinically significant reduction in AHI/RDI, sleepiness, snoring, BP, and ODI and an increase in LSAT in adults with OSA and major anatomical obstruction. Analysis of bariatric surgery data showed a clinically significant reduction in BP, AHI/RDI, sleepiness, snoring, optimal PAP level, BMI, and ODI and an increase in LSAT in adults with OSA and obesity. Analyses of very limited evidence suggested that upper airway surgery does not result in a clinically significant increase in risk of serious persistent adverse events and suggested that bariatric surgery may result in a clinically significant risk of iron malabsorption that may be managed with iron supplements. The task force provided a detailed summary of the evidence along with the quality of evidence, the balance of benefits and harms, patient values and preferences, and resource use considerations. Kent D, Stanley J, Aurora RN, etal. Referral of adults with obstructive sleep apnea for surgical consultation: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine systematic review, meta-analysis, and GRADE assessment. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(12):2507-2531.

Polysomnographic Outcomes Before and After Skeletal Surgeries for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objective: To evaluate polysomnographic (PSG) outcomes after common skeletal surgeries for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Thai patients. Materials and Methods: The retrospective study included OSA patients aged 18 years and older treated by hyoid suspension (HS) plus uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) (Group 1), genioglossus advancement (GA) plus tongue base radiofrequency (TBRF) (Group 2), and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) (Group 3) at Siriraj Hospital between January 2007 and October 2018. Those with incomplete PSG data were excluded. The primary outcome was the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Secondary outcomes were other PSG parameters and postoperative complications. Results: Twenty-four patients including 22 males and 2 females were included. Group1 (n=11), median AHI decreased from 45.4 to 24.1 events/hour (p=0.17), while lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) changed from 72.0% to 71.0% (p=0.11). Group2 (n=3) median AHI decreased from 64.7 to 51.4 events/hour (p=0.11), LSAT increased from 76.0% to 79.0% (p=1.0), and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep increased from 0.0% to 12.4% (p=0.11). Group3 (n=12) median AHI decreased from 68.5 to 7.8 events/hour (p&lt;0.002), LSAT increased from 75.5% to 88.0% (p=0.04), and REM increased from 0.0% to 21.5% (p=0.01). Surgical success rates as defined by Sher’s criteria or a postoperative AHI of less than five events/hour were 44.4%, 33.3%, and 66.6% in patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Common surgical complications included bleeding, mental or perioral paresthesia, and malocclusion after MMA. Conclusion: The skeletal surgeries significantly improved some PSG parameters, and thus may be viable options for OSA treatment in Thai patients. Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea, Skeletal surgery, Hyoid suspension, Genioglossus advancement, Maxillomandibular advancement, Thai

Maxillomandibular advancement effectively treats obstructive sleep apnea in adolescents at short-term follow-up

To evaluate the efficacy of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery for the treatment of malocclusion and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in an adolescent population. A retrospective cohort study was designed using electronic medical record chart review. Fifteen patients aged 20 years or younger (range, 14-20) were included. All patients underwent MMA surgery for the primary correction of malocclusion and secondary treatment of OSA. Mean preoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 28.9 ± 16.0 events/h (range, 7.1-54.7), and mean postoperative AHI was 5.7 ± 4.6 events/h (range, 1.5-18.4), reflecting a reduction of 23.2 events/h, an 80.6% reduction (P < .001). Fourteen patients (93.3%) experienced improvement in AHI. Mean minimal posterior airway space increased from 4.6 mm to 8.6 mm (P < .001). Mean posterior airway space at the level of the uvular tip increased from 6.7 mm to 11.5 mm (P < .001). Patients who underwent adjunct genioglossus advancement (GGA) had a mean decrease in AHI of 35.3 events/h (P=.004), which was not significantly different from the decrease in those who did not receive GGA. MMA surgery with or without GGA is an effective treatment option for adolescents with a malocclusion and an AHI >5.0 events/h. In this population, it is shown to decrease AHI and increase posterior airway space. More research is required to determine the ideal adolescent candidate for MMA surgery.

Tongue-Based Procedures in Treating Refractory Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Down Syndrome Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: There is a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in pediatric and adult Down Syndrome (DS) patients that is refractory to adenotonsillectomy and continuous positive airway pressure. Newer treatment modalities have emerged with improved outcomes. The objective is to provide an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the clinical outcomes of OSA in pediatric and adult DS patients with hypoglossal nerve stimulation using Inspire, midline posterior glossectomy plus lingual tonsillectomy (MPG + LT), and combined genioglossus advancement plus radiofrequency (GGS + RF). Methods: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar was performed followed by a meta-analysis. Studies with preoperative and post-operative Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) values were included with patients serving as their own control. Results: Across 5 studies, 56 patients were analyzed. The mean reduction in AHI was statistically significant before vs. after procedure ( P &lt; .001 for hypoglossal nerve stimulation using Inspire with a paired 2-tailed t-test and P = .031 for MPG + LT). Although individual patient AHI values were unavailable in the GGS + RF study, the standard difference in mean AHI was also significant for GGS + RF with P = .001. Device malfunction was the most common complication for Inspire while postoperative bleeding was observed for MPG + LT and nasopharyngeal obstruction and retropalatal collapse were observed for GGS + RF. Conclusion: This review reveals significant improvement in AHI with Inspire, MPG + LT, and GGS + RF for DS patients with refractory OSA. Further investigation is needed for comparison between these 3 therapies.

Follow-up observation of patients with obstructive sleep apnea treated by maxillomandibular advancement

This study aimed to evaluate the follow-up observation of patients with obstructivesleep apnea treated with maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) procedure with or without genial tubercle advancement (GTA). A total of 25 patients (mean age 37.1±17.3years) were included in the study. Cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken before treatment; after presurgical orthodontic treatment; immediately after MMA procedure; and follow-up visit. All Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine files were analyzed using the Dolphin 3D Imaging software program (Dolphin Imaging and Management Solutions, Chatsworth, Calif) to determine the total airway volume (TAV), airway area (AA), and minimal cross-sectional area (MCA). Dolphin 3D voxel-based superimposition was used to determine the amount of skeletal advancement with MMA and changes after surgery. Significant increase in TAV, AA, and MCA was found with MMA treatment (40.6%, 28.8%, and 56.4%, respectively, P<0.0001). Smaller but significant decrease in TAV, AA, and MCA was found during a follow-up visit (20.0%, 9.7%, and 26.8%, respectively, P<0.0001) giving a net increase of TAV, AA and MCA (35.8%, 27.1%, and 45.9%, respectively). No significant differences were found in any of the airway measurements with or without the GTA procedure. The average forward movements of the maxilla, mandible, and chin were 6.6mm, 8.2mm, and 11.4mm, respectively. A relapse of less than 1mm was found in each of the variables during the follow-up period. No correlation was found between the magnitudes of skeletal advancement and the change in oropharyngeal airway space (OPAS). Significant increase in OPAS can be expected with MMA surgery with or without GTA procedure in patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. A partial loss in OPAS was found during the follow-up visit. The surgical movements were found to be stable, with less than 1mm of relapse during the follow-up period, which was not clinically significant.