This podcast highlights a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the September 2015 issue of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Editor in chief John Krouse is joined by senior author Lisa Ishii and associate editor Eric Kezirian in discussing the role of nasal surgery in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

When considering treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), patients frequently inquire about the role of nasal obstruction in leading to the symptoms of OSA.  In addition, patients often ask if there is a role for nasal surgery in lessening these symptoms and in improving control of their OSA.  In the current paper, in examining the role of isolated nasal surgery in patients with OSA, the authors note that among patients with nasal obstruction, nasal surgery improved several sleep parameters, including scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Respiratory Disturbance Index.  Based on their results, the authors review the role of nasal surgery in the overall multi-level treatment of patients with OSA.  Drs. Ishii and Kezirian discuss the implications of these interesting findings, as well as exploring the need for further research in examining the type and site of nasal surgery and its effect on sleepiness and OSA.

Click here to read the full article.