The effect of compound nasal surgery on obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Nasal surgery often fails to ameliorate the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). We developed a compound nasal surgery (CNS) method that consists of septoplasty combined with submucosal inferior turbinectomy and posterior nasal neurectomy to ensure low nasal resistance during sleep.

To clarify the effect of CNS on OSAS, pre- and postoperative changes in sleep-related events were studied by using polysomnography, the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), the visual analog scale for snoring, and health-related quality of life (QOL).

Forty-five consecutive patients with OSAS and with nasal problems underwent CNS. Three months later, the postoperative effect on OSAS was assessed by using polysomnography findings, daytime sleepiness by the ESS, nasal allergy symptoms, and health-related QOL. Snoring was assessed by the family by using a visual analog scale.

The indices of apnea, apnea-hypopnea, oxygen desaturation, and arousal; the ESS; allergic symptom score; health-related QOL; and snoring on a visual analog scale were all significantly improved.

CNS improves OSAS events without any pharyngeal surgical procedure in selected patients. If high nasal resistance associated with OSAS is present, then CNS should thus be considered.