Minimally Invasive Single-Stage Multilevel Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome

Objectives: To assess subjective and objective improvement after single‐stage multilevel minimally invasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Study Design: A retrospective review of a prospective dataset of patients treated in a tertiary care referral center. Methods: Charts of 145 patients with mild/moderate OSAHS treated with a single‐stage multilevel minimally invasive technique were reviewed to pre‐ and posttreatment symptoms and polysomnographic data. One hundred twenty‐two patients had minimum follow‐up of 6 (range, 6–23) months and complete data available for analysis. All patients studied had three‐level treatment that included nasal surgery, palatal stiffening by Pillar implant technique, and radiofrequency volume reduction of the tongue base. Primary outcomes included change from baseline in apnea/hypopnea index (AHI). Secondary outcomes included change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and bed‐partner assessed snoring visual analogue scale (VAS, 0–10), pain levels, narcotic use, and complications. Results: Mean AHI decreased from 23.2 ± 7.6 preoperatively to 14.5 ± 10.2 postoperatively (P < .0001). Classical “cure” was achieved in 54 (47.5%) patients. Mean ESS decreased from 9.7 ± 3.9 preoperatively to 6.9 ± 3.3 postoperatively (P < .0001). Mean snoring VAS decreased from 9.4 ± 0.9 preoperatively to 3.2 ± 2.4 postoperatively (P