Surgical Algorithm for Obstructive Sleep Apnea : An Update.

Sleep surgery is part of a continuum of care for OSA that involves medical, pharmacologic, and behavioral therapy. Upper airway surgery for OSA can significantly improve stability by way of modulating the critical negative closing pressure. This is the same mechanism of action as PAP or oral appliance therapy (OAT). The updated surgical algorithm in this review adds precision in 3 areas: 1) patient selection, 2) identification of previously unaddressed anatomic phenotypes with associated treatment modality, and 3) improved techniques of previously established procedures. While the original Riley and Powell Phase 1 and 2 approach to sleep surgery has focused on individual surgical success rate, this algorithm strives for an overall treatment success with multi-modal and patient-centric treatments.