The protocol for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Our understanding of the nature and the sequence of upper airway obstruction has evolved gradually but considerably. This obstruction, occurring repeatedly in sleep alongwith daytime sleepiness is called Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Narrowing or closures may occur at one or more sites in an unstable upper airway. The upper airway size is determined by soft-tissue and skeletal factors, that are also major determinants of upper airway patency during sleep. The presence of certain physical characteristics should strengthen the surgeons suspicion of some dysfunction during sleep. There are various methods of identifying the physical attributes in patient of Sleep Apnea. The measurement of all the characters plus the sleep study, helps the surgeon eventually to select the site needing immediate treatment. This will not only straighten the upper airway but also prevent any re-occurrences, which is very common if the patient is not properly evaluated. Great stress should be laid on presurgical protocol, an alternative for more appropriate diagnosis and treatment.