Expansion Hyoidthyroidpexy: Combined Hyoid Surgery Techniques for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: All in One

Abstract

We provide expansion hyoidthyroidpexy as a novel surgical procedure for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that could combine different techniques of hyoid bone surgery in 1 procedure. This case series included patients with OSA who had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) >15 and showed predominant lateral wall hypopharyngeal collapse. In 21 patients, the procedure was performed smoothly without technical difficulties or operative adverse events, resulting in lateral expansion of each horn of the hyoid bone by ≥1 cm without early or late complications. At 6 months postoperatively, both AHI and the mean lowest oxygen saturation level were significantly improved ( P < .0001). The new expansion hyoidthyroidpexy technique is a reliable, easy, and effective procedure with good surgical outcomes in patients with OSA. It is feasible to be employed in the protocol of multilevel surgery for OSA.