[Role of ORL in the treatment of sleep apnea syndromes]

Over the past few years, the criteria defining the sleep apnea syndrome have been well delineated. This syndrome is a common affliction whose pathophysiology is usually indicative of an obstacle in the upper respiratory tract. The authors describe seven mostly serious cases, with cardiovascular and hemodynamic repercussions, that benefited from ORL surgery (uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty and/or tonsillotomy). In each case, the consequences of this simple surgery were excellent, resulting in a sharp attenuation of the symptoms or their disappearance. In conclusion, the authors insist on the preponderant role that can be played by the ear, nose and throat specialist, both in the selection of these patients and in their treatment.