Surgical reconstruction of the upper airway for obstructive sleep apnea.

Positive airway pressure can be effective for OSA treatment but is not effectively used by many patients. Surgical reconstruction of the airway is appropriate for patients who are not otherwise effectively treated or as first-line treatment for patients with focal airway lesions. For surgical planning, examination schemes of the awake patient, as well as sleep endoscopy may be used. Nasal surgery may facilitate treatment using positive airway pressure or oral appliances or to improve quality of life. Pharyngoplasty and tongue base techniques for therapeutic upper airway reconstruction may be performed staged or simultaneously. Current and future approaches are described.