Surgical Evaluation and Airway Assessment of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) continues to be the most common sleep-related breathing disorder affecting over one billion people worldwide. This chapter outlines the importance of surgical evaluation and airway assessment in patient affected by OSA. A comprehensive medical, surgical, and social history helps outline risk factors and important comorbidities including, but not limited to, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and age. A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the upper airway guides the surgeon to identify sites of obstruction and can ultimately help determine what treatment options are best for individual patients. Endoscopy and advanced imaging studies can help further characterize sites of obstruction which also may guide treatment planning.