Palatal Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: From Ablation to Reconstruction

Abstract

Although continuous positive airway pressure is the first-line and gold-standard management for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), surgery is the only mainstream treatment without the use of a device. Palatal surgery is the paragon and core value among various sleep surgeries in treating snoring and OSA. It has transformed from radical excision to functional reconstruction. The integrated treatment of palatal surgery includes reconstruction of airway, restoration of airflow and rehabilitation of muscle.

Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea; Palatal surgery; Relocation pharyngoplasty; Snoring; Suspension palatoplasty; Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.