BACKGROUND. Sleep apnea is a pathology with an ever-increasing spread, the causes being the most diverse. In this study we focus on sleep breathing disorders caused by nasal obstruction and also by soft palate and uvula anatomical changes. The right treatment recommended in this pathology according to the American Academy Sleep Medicine (AASM) is non-invasive ventilation – positive airway pressure (CPAP). A substantial percentage of patients with obstructive sleep apnea seek alternatives to CPAP and the solution for this can be upper airway surgery.
OBJECTIVE. The attempt to demonstrate the viability of upper respiratory tract surgery as an alternative to CPAP treatment, demonstrating objectives by pre- and postoperative polysomnographic control.
RESULTS. Aggregating the data from all 54 patients with nasal obstruction and pharyngeal modifications, we observed a decrease in AHI from 20.406/h to 15.86/h, representing 32.36%, an improvement in sleep architecture and especially REM sleep from 41.5 minutes initially to 67.8 minutes (increased value with 63.37 percent).
CONCLUSION. The benefits of nasopharyngeal repermeabilization surgery are represented by decreasing the severity of respiratory events and, second to this, lowering the number of arousals. By reducing the number of arousals, one will obtain a better percentage regarding the deep sleep phase - REM, having a beneficial effect on reducing the daytime sleepiness – which is a major symptom that patients are present.
