Sleeve gastrectomy improves obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS): 5 year longitudinal study

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is prevalent among morbidly obese patients. Evaluation of the specific effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on upper airway function has not been reported. Given the possibility that some patients will not respond despite weight loss, no studies have investigated whether other mechanisms may be responsible for persistent OSAS after bariatric surgery. Objectives To evaluate by subjective and objective assessment the impact of SG on upper respiratory physiology in the long-term. Setting University Hospital, Division of Bariatric and ENT Surgery, in Italy. Methods Thirty-six consecutive patients with OSAS who underwent laparoscopic SG were prospectively enrolled. The effect of SG on respiratory function and OSAS was followed for 5 years. Results All patients completed the 5-year follow-up. A significant ( P