PRACTICE PARAMETERS FOR SURGERY FOR OSA IN ADULTS Practice Parameters for the Surgical Modifications of the Upper Airway for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults

1408 Practice Parameters—Aurora et al 1.0 INTRODUCTION Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a syndrome characterized by repetitive upper airway collapse or narrowing. Sequelae include adverse cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes, decline in quality of life, and neurocognitive impairment.1-4 In addition to lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, avoidance of alcohol or other agents that can decrease upper airway patency, and implementation of positional therapy, the main therapeutic options include positive airway pressure therapy (PAP), oral appliances, and surgical procedures.5 For most individuals, PAP therapy remains the preferable first-line treatment for OSA. However, a significant proportion of patients are unable to tolerate PAP therapy and seek alternate treatment.6 Practice parameters for the treatment of OSA in adults by surgical modification of the upper airway were first published in 1996 by the AASM (formerly ASDA).7 The 1996 practice parameters were based on a systematic review that accompanied the publication.8 Recently a series of clinical guidelines for the comprePRACTICE PARAMETERS FOR SURGERY FOR OSA IN ADULTS