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Published on: December 6, 2016
Adenotonsillectomy to treat obstructive sleep apnea: Is it enough?
A Boudewyns1, F Abel2, E Alexopoulos3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
Insights
Children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) may still have residual disease after adenotonsillectomy. Early recognition and multidisciplinary management are crucial for persistent OSAS to prevent long-term health issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Sleep Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Adenotonsillectomy is the primary treatment for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).
- A significant number of children experience inadequate improvement or residual disease post-surgery.
- Persistent OSAS in children requires prompt identification and management to avoid long-term morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review risk factors for persistent OSAS after adenotonsillectomy.
- To discuss diagnostic methods for identifying residual upper airway obstruction.
- To outline current treatment strategies for children with persistent OSAS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of risk factors for persistent OSAS.
- Overview of diagnostic modalities for upper airway evaluation.
- Summary of available treatment options for recurrent OSAS.
Main Results:
- Identified children at risk for persistent obstructive sleep apnea syndrome post-adenotonsillectomy.
- Detailed various diagnostic tools to pinpoint residual airway obstruction.
- Presented current therapeutic interventions for complex pediatric OSAS cases.
Conclusions:
- Persistent OSAS in children post-adenotonsillectomy necessitates a thorough evaluation.
- A multidisciplinary approach is vital for managing complex cases with comorbidities.
- Timely intervention is key to mitigating long-term health consequences in affected children.
Abstract:
Although adenotonsillectomy is the first line treatment for children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (0SAS),1 improvement in objectively documented outcomes is often inadequate and a substantial number of children have residual disease. Early recognition and treatment of children with persistent OSAS is required to prevent long-term morbidity. The management of these children is frequently complex and a multidisciplinary approach is required as most of them have additional risk factors for OSAS and comorbidities. In this paper, we first provide an overview of children at risk for persistent disease following adenotonsillectomy. Thereafter, we discuss different diagnostic modalities to evaluate the sites of persistent upper airway obstruction and the currently available treatment options. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:699-709. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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