Surgical treatment of palatal collapse in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by upper airway collapse that results in poor, restless sleep, and daytime sequelae such as sleepiness and behavior problems. The primary treatment for pediatric OSA has traditionally been adenotonsillectomy (AT). However, rates of persistent OSA following AT can be as high as 50%. With the increased utilization of drug-induced sleep endoscopy in both surgically-naïve pediatric OSA patients and patients with persistent OSA after AT, the palate has been identified as a common site of collapse contributing to airway obstruction. Palatal procedures, such as palatopharyngopexy and barbed suture pharyngoplasty, can be utilized to address collapse at the palate and may improve pediatric OSA treatment outcomes.