Evidence-based medicine in sleep apnea surgery.
Since the first description of sleep apnea as a clinical entity, the understanding of it within the medical community has increased significantly. Much research has explored the causes, assessment, and treatment of this disease. This research has resulted in a variety of tools for assessment and approaches to treatment. As research progresses, new data have shed light on the strengths of traditional approaches and their limitations. This article gives background for current approaches and charts a potential future course for sleep apnea assessment and treatment.
McMains
K Christopher
KC
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, 1120 Fifteenth Street, Augusta, GA 30912-4060, USA.
Terris
David J
DJ
D000465:Algorithms; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000601:surgery*