gms | German Medical Science

OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea) is reported in almost a third of patients after UPPP (Uvulopalatoplasty), the most common procedure designed and performed for sleep Apnoea. These unsuccessful UPPP results demand that we think from a different angle with a different set of expectations. Inspired by what is known as the economic approach, our thinking relies on data, rather than a hunch and/or an ideology, by understanding what the problem really is, by knowing what to measure and how to measure it, by realising that conventional wisdom is often wrong, and the blithe acceptance of it can lead to sloppy or even dangerous outcomes. We will intend to scrub away layers of confusion and contradiction, in a topic where correlation does not equal causality. And knowing what patient want will help us to think of the correct incentives for suitable follow up and a participative and interactive patient care. We built upon these ideas, to propose a re-thinking of target, strategy, success criteria and treatment with both medical and surgical options for subsequent treatment, beyond palatal surgery. Current and future options, clinical decision making algorithms evidence supporting each of them, and the latest new tricks to achieve the best outcomes will be presented.