Nasal surgery in the management of sleep apnea.

We present our experience with short- and long-term beneficial results obtained from surgery of the nasal valve area in carefully selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In six cases reported here, surgical treatment resulted in subjective improvement in snoring and daytime somnolence. Objective improvement was noted in three patients who had nasal valve area obstruction. Although the role of surgery in patients with mild OSA needs further assessment, surgical correction of nasal valve area obstruction in patients with moderately severe to severe OSA appears clearly indicated.