Demographic profile of surgical approaches to obstructive sleep apnea in the United States from 2004 to 2020: a descriptive study

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the quantity, types, and trends of surgical procedures used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) within a diverse national population, utilizing a comprehensive proprietary healthcare database. Methods This descriptive observational study analyzed longitudinal data from the Optum Clinformatics® Data Mart databases, covering the period from January 2004 to December 2020. The study included patients aged 18 to 89 years, both male and female, with a confirmed diagnosis of OSA. These patients were either treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or underwent surgical interventions. Results Throughout the study period, 1,250,273 individuals were diagnosed with OSA. The average age at diagnosis was 62 years (SD = 16), with a male predominance of 62.3%, and 75% of the patients were identified as Caucasian. The most frequently performed surgical procedure for OSA was Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). However, the implantable hypoglossal nerve stimulator was more commonly utilized among older patients. Conclusions This study provides essential insights into the prevalence and characteristics of surgical procedures used in OSA treatment across a diverse national population. The findings underscore the significance of understanding surgical intervention patterns and trends to enhance patient care and outcomes.