Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
摘要
Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSA) is characterized by repetitive obstruction of the upper airway, often resulting in intermittent oxygen desaturation and arousal during sleep. Untreated OSA is strongly associated with the increase of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the primary treatment of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSA). Clinically, many OSA patients cannot or will not use CPAP or fail their conservative therapies. As experts of upper airway diseases, we often examine the airway of patients with OSA clearly and help OSA patients understand the importance of assessment and treatment for OSA. Surgery for OSA is not a substitute for CPAP, but is an alternative treatment for those who failed conservative OSA therapies. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a relatively innovated technique and a valid surgical modality with minor postoperative morbidities for selected OSA patients. In this chapter, we provide an updated overview of the role and evidence of TORS for the treatment of OSA.