Can functional septoturbinoplasty, with or without nasal valve suspension suture (FSTVS), alter the initial findings of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)?

BACKGROUND

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is routinely performed to assess the upper airway collapse in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Its purpose is to identify cases of multilevel collapse, which helps to determine the appropriate surgical approach. The current proposal to analyze the functional septoturbinoplasty with or without nasal valve suspension suture (FSTVS) has the potential to change the original findings of DISE in OSAS patients who were initially planned for one-stage multilevel surgery based on the pre-FSTVS DISE results.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

METHODS

All OSAS patients with moderate to severe symptoms who underwent DISE pre-FSTVS and noticed multilevel collapse were subjected to post-FSTVS re-evaluation using DISE at three-month intervals.

RESULT

This study included a total of thirty-two patients, with males outnumbering females in a ratio of 15:1. The average age of the patients was 38.88 years (standard deviation, SD ± 10.12), and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.66 (SD ± 3.73). Significant improvements (p = 0.0417) were observed in both pre- and post-FSTVS measurements at three-month intervals, as well as in the Epworth sleepiness score (ESS). Enhancements in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and snoring event post-FSTVS were also observed. Around 50% of the patients exhibited concentric collapse at the velum, lateral collapse at the oropharynx, and anteroposterior (AP) collapse at the tongue base. Post-FSTVS, the dynamics at the velum were modified by 23.33%, at the oropharynx by 10%, at the tongue base by 11.76%, and at the epiglottis by 23.07%. One patient who did not experience collapse at the tongue base pre-FSTVS exhibited partial collapse after the procedure. Moreover, all cases of complete AP collapse of the epiglottis changed to partial collapse.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms that FSTVS may offer a simpler and more accessible approach for patients with OSAS. It is a viable option to consider even prior to DISE in clinical anticipated multilevel collapse. By conducting DISE at intervals subsequent to addressing nasal resistance through surgery, valuable insights can be obtained regarding the collapsibility of the upper airway. These findings can guide surgical interventions, ultimately resulting in improved outcomes for patients.