title: Overview of phase I surgery for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
abstract: It is well established that obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Surgical therapy has been demonstrated to be a viable treatment option for cure. Thorough presurgical evaluation with the identification of the type of airway abnormality is mandatory to allow for the utilization of a surgical protocol that results in improved clinical outcomes. Phase I surgical protocol is designed to apply specific surgical procedures to alleviate the obstruction(s) present. Following a logical, stepwise surgical approach in airway reconstruction will minimize surgical interventions and avoid unnecessary operations. The incorporation of a risk-management protocol will minimize treatment complications while achieving cure.
authors.affiliation: Center for Excellence in Sleep Disorders Medicine, Stanford (Calif.) University School of Medicine, USA. kaseyli@hotmail.com
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: N B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Troell
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Guilleminault
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011379:Prognosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome