PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - A. Boudewyns
AU  - M. Marklund
AU  - W. Hochban
TI  - Alternatives for OSAHS treatment: selection of patients for upper airway surgery and oral appliances
AID  - 10.1183/09059180.00010604
DP  - 2007 Dec 01
TA  - European Respiratory Review
PG  - 132--145
VI  - 16
IP  - 106
4099  - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/16/106/132.short
4100  - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/16/106/132.full
SO  - EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW2007 Dec 01; 16
AB  - Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is considered to represent the standard treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), poor treatment compliance and/or refusal is an issue in ∼20–30% of these patients. As an alternative to life-long CPAP treatment, conservative procedures exist with dental appliances for mandibular advancement, as well as curative surgical techniques. Surgical treatment of OSAHS can be divided into the following two main groups: 1) upper airway surgery by soft tissue resection (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, etc.), and 2) skeletal procedures, such as maxillo-mandibular advancement. Proper selection of patients for the different treatment modalities is the key for full treatment success. Patient-related factors, such as the site of upper airway collapse, craniofacial characteristics, dental health, obesity, age, profession and positional dependence, as well as treatment-related factors, should be evaluated before a final proposal for these treatment alternatives is formulated.