Unraveling the Complexities of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Biomarkers in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), affecting approximately 1 billion adults globally, is characterized by recurrent airway obstruction during sleep, leading to oxygen desaturation, elevated carbon dioxide levels, and disrupted sleep architecture. OSAS significantly impacts quality of life and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in the cardiovascular and cognitive domains. The cyclic pattern of intermittent hypoxia in OSAS triggers oxidative stress, contributing to cellular damage. This review explores the intricate relationship between OSAS and oxidative stress, shedding light on molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions. METHODS: A comprehensive review spanning from 2000 to 2023 was conducted using the PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases. Inclusion criteria encompassed English articles focusing on adults or animals and reporting values for oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers. RESULTS: The review delineates the imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors in OSAS, leading to heightened oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species biomarkers, nitric oxide, inflammatory cytokines, endothelial dysfunction, and antioxidant defense mechanisms are explored in the context of OSAS. OSAS-related complications include cardiovascular disorders, neurological impairments, metabolic dysfunction, and a potential link to cancer. This review emphasizes the potential of antioxidant therapy as a complementary treatment strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the molecular intricacies of oxidative stress in OSAS is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic interventions. The comprehensive analysis of biomarkers provides insights into the complex interplay between OSAS and systemic complications, offering avenues for future research and therapeutic advancements in this multifaceted sleep disorder.

Clinical Application of Pediatric Sleep Endoscopy: An International Survey.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate through an international survey the actual clinical application of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to clarify the use, application, clinical indications, and protocol of pediatric DISE. METHODS: A specific survey about pediatric DISE was initially developed by five international otolaryngologists with expertise in pediatric sleep apnea and drug-induced sleep endoscopy and was later spread to experts in the field of sleep apnea, members of different OSA-related associations. RESULTS: A total of 101 participants who answered all the survey questions were considered in the study. Sixty-four sleep apnea experts, equivalent to 63.4% of interviewed experts, declared they would perform DISE in pediatric OSA patients. A total of 81.9% of responders agreed to consider the DISE as the first diagnostic step in children with persistent OSA after adenotonsillectomy surgery, whereas 55.4% disagreed with performing DISE at the same time of scheduled adenotonsillectomy surgery to identify other possible sites of collapse. In the case of young patients with residual OSA and only pharyngeal collapse during DISE, 51.8% of experts agreed with performing a velopharyngeal surgery. In this case, 27.7% disagreed and 21.4% were neutral. CONCLUSION: Pediatric DISE is internationally considered to be a safe and effective procedure for identifying sites of obstruction and collapse after adenotonsillectomy in children with residual OSA. This is also useful in cases of patients with craniofacial malformations, small tonsils, laryngomalacia or Down syndrome to identify the actual site(s) of collapse. Despite this evidence, our survey highlighted that pediatric DISE is not used in different sleep centers.

Analgesic Effect of Addition of Pectointercostal Block to Serratus Anterior Plane Block in Breast Surgeries: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is an efficient perioperative analgesic modality for breast surgeries. SAPB does not block the anterior cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves; thus, it does not provide adequate analgesia for the parasternal region and the medial side of the breast. A new parasternal block, the pectointercostal fascial plane block (PIFB) has been developed to overcome this issue. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the perioperative analgesic effect of using PIFB in addition to SAPB. The primary outcome was to evaluate the postoperative pain score. The secondary outcomes were to assess perioperative opioid requirements, hemodynamic stability, and the satisfaction of the patient and surgeon. STUDY DESIGN: The current study was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled study. The current study was registered at the Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR202001789968542) and was designed after obtaining ethical institutional approval (Institutional Review Board No 00012098, Federalwide Assurance No 00018699). SETTING: The study involved 60 women between 21 and 69 years old with breast cancer who were scheduled for modified radical mastectomy or conservative breast surgeries in a university hospital. METHODS: After verbal and informed written consent, the patients were allocated to Group 1, which received SAPB, and Group 2, which received SAPB with PIFB. We assessed the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), perioperative opioid requirements, intraoperative hemodynamic stability, rescue analgesia, and complications. Patient and surgeon satisfaction were surveyed using a questionnaire where one is very dissatisfied and 5 is very satisfied. RESULTS: Intraoperative mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and heart rate were significantly lower in Group 2 (SAPB+PIFB). The number of patients who needed intraoperative fentanyl was also significantly lower in Group 2 (SAPB+PIFB) (P value = 0.010). Postoperative VAS showed no significant difference in both groups. The number of patients who needed postoperative rescue morphine, time for the first rescue analgesia, first morphine dose (mg), and total opioid consumption were also comparable for both groups. Patient satisfaction and surgeon satisfaction were comparable for both groups (P values = 1.000 and 0.496, respectively). LIMITATIONS: VAS was not recorded during movements and no follow-up was done to detect the potential effect on chronic postmastectomy pain. Moreover, after reviewing the literature, there was no efficient data about adding PIFB with different regional blocks for breast surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The number of patients who needed intraoperative fentanyl, as well as the MABP and heart rate were significantly lower in Group 2 (SAPB+PIFB). Postoperative vital signs, VAS, postoperative analgesic requirements, and opioid consumption were comparable for both groups. Patient satisfaction was comparable for both groups, while surgeon satisfaction was higher in Group 2 (SAPB+PIFB) but statistically not significant.

International palate surgery questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: This international study aimed at determining current routine palate surgeries and surgical methods adopted by otolaryngologists who practice surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: An international online survey was developed with the collaboration of the YO-IFOS (Young Otolaryngologists-International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies) to assess the current routines in palatal procedures. The surgeons were asked 33 multiple-choice questions. RESULTS: A total of 141 sleep surgeons answered the questionnaire, of whom 27% were from Africa, 30% from Asia, 24% from Centre-South America, and 19% from Europe. According to otolaryngology surgical specialties, 51% were sleep surgeons, 31% general ENTs, 8% Rhinologists, 7% Head & Neck surgeons, 2% otologists, and 1% maxillofacial surgeons. Of the 141 respondents, 51% answered they were sleep specialists, whereas 49% were non-sleep specialists. According to specific medical degree, 38% were specialists, 33% were consultants, 25% were professors, and 4% were residents or trainees. CONCLUSION: This study gives an overview of the current surgical practice in OSA management in otolaryngology in different countries.

The Effects of Barbed Repositioning Pharyngoplasty in Positional and Non-Positional OSA Patients: A Retrospective Analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of our retrospective study is evaluating the effectiveness of barbed repositioning pharyngoplasty (BRP) in a consecutive cohort of patients and assessing its impact on positional indexes in order to potentially identify specific obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) phenotypes for patients who might benefit more significantly from this intervention. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study with baseline and follow-up type III sleep tests evaluating the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), supine AHI, non-supine AHI, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), mean SaO2, percentage of time spent at SaO2 below 90% (CT90), and lowest oxygen saturation (LOS) were performed. The patients were then divided into groups according to Sher's criteria and Amsterdam Positional OSA Classification (APOC). Parametric and non-parametric tests and univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The study finally included 47 patients. The statistical analysis showed significant improvement in AHI, supine AHI, non-supine AHI, and ODI after surgery. The linear regression showed that high values of baseline AHI, AHI supine, and AHI non supine predict more significant postoperative reductions in AHI, AHI supine, and AHI non supine, respectively. Therapeutic success was achieved in 22 patients out of 47. The logistic regression did not find any independent risk factors for success. The most significant reduction in AHI, supine AHI, and non-supine AHI was observed in the APOC 3 group while the APOC 1 patients experience a substantially lower improvement. CONCLUSIONS: BRP appears to be an effective surgical procedure for the treatment of OSA. The non-positional patients might benefit more from BRP in comparison with positional patients. Moreover, OSA severity should not be considered an absolute contra-indication for this surgical procedure.

Head-Of-Bed Elevation (HOBE) for Improving Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea (POSA): An Experimental Study.

Purpose: Evaluate the effectiveness of the head-of-bed elevation position (HOBE) with a 30° elevation of the head and trunk, in improving obstruction of the upper airways in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. A prospective trial simultaneously performing drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and polysomnography (PSG) tests was performed. Methods: Forty-five patients were included in the prospective study protocol. All patients enrolled in the study and underwent the following evaluations: (1) a drug-induced sleep endoscopy, with an evaluation of obstructions and collapse of the upper airways at 0° and in a HOBE position, with head and trunk elevation of 30°; (2) an overnight PSG assessment in the hospital with head and trunk elevation from 0° to 30° during the night; (3) a questionnaire to evaluate the feedback of patients to sleeping with head-of-bed elevation. Results: Velum (V) and oropharynx lateral wall (O) collapses were reduced in the 30° up position. There were no statistical differences that emerged in the obstruction of the tongue base and epiglottis between the 0° position and the 30° up position (p > 0.05). The average AHI score changed from 23.8 ± 13.3 (0° supine position) to 17.7 ± 12.4 (HOBE position), with a statistical difference (p = 0.03); the same statistical difference emerged in the percentage of apneas that decreased from 55 ± 28.1 to 44 ± 25.8 (p = 0.05). Conclusions: By adopting the HOBE position with 30° elevation of the head and trunk, it is possible to obtain a reduction of upper airways collapses and an improvement of apnea/hypopnea events and nightly respiratory outcomes.

Surgical correction of nasal obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea improves CPAP outcomes and compliance.

BACKGROUND: Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy curtails most of the negative impacts of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), its efficacy is limited by its low long-term adherence. Nasal obstruction contributes to OSA pathophysiology and necessitates high CPAP titration pressures which reduce CPAP compliance. AIM: This study aims at elucidating the outcomes of surgical correction of nasal obstruction in patients intolerant to CPAP therapy. METHODS: Forty-nine patients with severe OSA intolerant to CPAP secondary to surgically correctable nasal obstruction were operated upon. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at least 3 months after the surgical intervention. Subjective assessment entailed the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score (NOSE) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Objectively the patients were assessed by acoustic rhinometry and standard polysomnography. RESULTS: Nasal surgical intervention resulted in an a statistically significant decrease in the mean NOSE score, ESS and optimal CPAP titration pressure. In addition, the minimal cross-sectional area (MCA1&2) increased significantly postoperatively. There was a positive correlation between the improvement in NOSE score as well as the MCA1& 2 and the postoperative decrease in CPAP titration pressure. Surgical correction of nasal obstruction improved CPAP outcomes and compliance in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal surgery in OSA objectively assessed by acoustic rhinometry improved nasal obstruction with a resultant decrease in the CPAP pressure requirements. Given that lower CPAP pressures improve adherence to CPAP therapy, surgical alleviation of nasal obstruction should be considered a crucial intervention in the management armamentarium of OSA.

Effectiveness of drug-induced sleep endoscopy in improving outcomes of barbed pharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea surgery: a prospective randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To observe the effectiveness of preoperative drug-induced sleep endoscopy in improving surgical results of patients undergoing single-level barbed pharyngoplasty surgery for OSA, using a prospective randomized model. METHODS: A single-center randomized controlled trial with two prospective arms was carried out to compare functional results in patients treated with barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP) surgery without a preoperative drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) evaluation vs patients treated with BRP surgery performed after DISE evaluation of sites/patterns of collapse. RESULTS: We compared 50 patients who underwent BRP without a preoperative DISE evaluation (Group A) and 42 patients (Group B) treated with BRP surgery but preoperatively selected by means of a preoperative DISE. In this second group of patients, after DISE evaluation, 70% of patients were selected for single-level BRP surgery because they showed an isolated velopharyngeal collapse at the DISE evaluation, without obstruction at other upper airway levels evaluated. Both groups of patients showed a statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative values of AHI, ODI, and LOS (p<0.05 in all cases). Comparing Group A and Group B patients, the therapeutic success rate was found to be 60% in patients treated without preoperative DISE evaluation and 83% in patients treated with preoperative DISE (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: DISE appears to improve the surgical results of single-level velopharyngeal surgery due to the possibility of excluding patients with obstruction of the base of the tongue, the hypopharynx, and the epiglottis/larynx.

Surgical, clinical, and functional outcomes of transoral robotic surgery used in sleep surgery for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We investigated safety and efficacy of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for base of tongue (BOT) reduction in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched. A meta-analysis was performed. Random effects models were used. Thirty-one cohorts met our criteria (1693 patients). The analysis was based mostly on retrospective studies. The summary estimate of the reduction of Apnea-Hypoxia Index (AHI) was 24.25 abnormal events per hour (95% CI: 21.69-26.81) and reduction of Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was 7.92 (95% CI: 6.50-9.34). The summary estimate of increase in lowest O2 saturation was 6.04% (95% CI: 3.05-9.03). The success rate of TORS BOT reduction, either alone or combined with other procedures, was 69% (95% CI: 64-79). The majority of studies reported low level of evidence but suggested that TORS BOT reduction may be a safe procedure associated with improvement of AHI, ESS, and lowest O2 saturation.

Postoperative amyloidosis of tongue base: Extremely rare complication after multilevel sleep surgery.

Amyloidosis is to be considered in the differential diagnosis of postoperative edema of tongue base after its ablation. It might be triggered by surgical trauma. After establishment of diagnosis, cause of secondary amyloidosis should be excluded.

Effect of Cooling Irrigating Saline in Tongue Base Ablation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OBJECTIVE: Plasma is formed by creating a high-density energy field within an electrically conductive fluid such as saline. Sometimes ablated bits of tissue get stuck between the electrodes of the wand, obstructing the suction channel. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of cooling the irrigating saline during ablation of the hypertrophied tongue base in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. SETTING: An otorhinolaryngology department in Main University hospitals. METHODS: Sixty adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea and tongue base hypertrophy underwent tongue base ablation surgery. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 30 patients each: cooled saline and room temperature saline. The Coblation wand used was the EVac 70 Xtra HP (Smith & Nephew). RESULTS: In this study, a significant difference in operative time (mean ± SD) was seen between groups: 21.2 ± 5.5 minutes in the cold group and 47 ± 9.5 minutes in the control group (P = .001). The wands in the cold group did not obstruct, while all the wands in the control group were obstructed by tissue clogs with variable degrees, hence wasting more time to clean the wands' tips. CONCLUSION: Cooling the irrigating saline overcame the problem of wand clogs, and the wand tip did not occlude at all during the procedures, thus saving time lost in wand cleaning and demonstrating a faster and safer surgical procedure. Further studies are needed to identify the hemostatic effect of the cooled saline over the regular one.

Role of dynamic sleep MRI in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PURPOSE: To identify obstruction sites of the upper airway during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) under dynamic conditions and improve knowledge to guide surgical treatment and advancements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 15 patients (5 females and 10 males) who were diagnosed as having OSAS. Overall mean age was 40.2 years (± 7.01 years). All the patients underwent drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and dynamic sleep MRI. The presence, location, and direction of airway collapse were assessed. Dynamic MRI findings were correlated to DISE. Data of the site and direction of airway collapse were correlated with those of endoscopic findings and interobserver agreement was done. RESULTS: The dynamic images in sagittal section showed collapse of the upper airway at retropalatal level in 14 patients (93.33%) and at retroglossal level in seven patients (46.7%) and of these 14 patients; seven had combined retropalatal and retroglossal collapse. These findings were highly correlated with DISE findings with an excellent interobserver agreement for retropalatal and retroglossal levels (Kappa = 1 and 0.867, P value = 0.000), respectively. Objective measurements of the direction of collapse in axial dynamic sleep MRI images showed significant statistical correlation with endoscopic findings regarding retropalatal anteroposterior and circumferential collapse (Kappa = 0.58 and 0.52, P value = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION: Dynamic sleep MRI can reliably characterize the actual site of dynamic airway obstruction and has the potential of improving predictions of successful surgical outcomes in OSAS patients.

Robo-Cob technique; transoral endoscopic coblation tongue base resection in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

BACKGROUND: Another transoral tongue base surgical procedure for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is described. The procedure was named as the "Robo-Cob" technique because it is similar to transoral robotic surgery (TORS) but using a coblation technology to manage tongue base hypertrophy in patients with OSA especially in countries where TORS is not an available option for such benign conditions. METHODS: The technique is described step by step. The new surgical technique was carried out in 25 adult OSA patients with mean age of 41.36 ± 8.72 years (average 23-56) with confirmed tongue base hypertrophy by preoperative drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). Coblation was used to resect, not ablate, the tongue base with similar technique as described in TORS. RESULTS: The Robo-Cob technique is proved to be feasible and effective in all cases either alone or when combined with other procedures in multilevel surgery settings. There were no significant intraoperative or postoperative complications. No tracheostomy was done in any patient. Objective clinical improvement was confirmed by polysomnography 3 months postoperatively with significant decrease in mean AHI from 33.84 ± 10.54 to 11.52 ± 5.42 (P < 0.005). Moreover, this technique provided tongue base tissue specimen that allowed measurement of its volume that ranged from 10 to 22 cc (mean 14.96 ± 3.62 cc) to monitor extent of tissue resection. CONCLUSION: The added value of using coblation in resection, not ablation, is being quicker, and being able to provide tissue specimen to measure its volume to judge resection limits.

Assessment of the New L Pharyngeal Flap for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of the new L pharyngeal flap for treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). METHODS: This study included 60 patients who were diagnosed as persistent VPI (for > 1 year without response to speech therapy for 6 months at least). L-shaped superiorly based pharyngeal flap was tailored from oropharynx and inserted into the soft palate through a transverse full-thickness palatal incision 1 cm from the hard palate, then the distal horizontal part of the flap was spread 1 cm anteroposterior direction and 1 cm horizontally into the soft palate. Prior to and after surgery, patients were assessed by oral examination, video nasoendoscopy, and speech evaluation. RESULTS: Postoperative speech assessment showed significant improvement in nasoendoscopic closure, speech assessment, and nasometric assessments. Grade 4 velopharyngeal valve closure (complete closure) could be achieved in 59 (98.3%) patients at 6 months postoperatively. No patients showed dehiscence (partial or total) of the flap and no obstructive sleep apnea was reported. CONCLUSION: The newly designed L pharyngeal flap was proved to be highly effective, reliable, and safe in treating patients with persistent VPI with easy applicability and without significant complication.

Manipulation of Lateral Pharyngeal Wall Muscles in Sleep Surgery: A Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) occurs due to upper airway obstruction resulting from anatomical and functional abnormalities. Upper airway collapsibility, particularly those involving the lateral pharyngeal wall (LPW), is known to be one of the main factors contributing to the pathogenesis of OSAS, leading the authors of the present study to propose different strategies in order to stiffen the pharyngeal walls to try to restore normal airflow. METHODS: An exhaustive review of the English literature on lateral pharyngeal wall surgery for the treatment of OSAS was performed using the PubMed electronic database. RESULTS: The research was performed in April 2020 and yielded approximately 2000 articles. However, considering the inclusion criteria, only 17 studies were included in the present study. CONCLUSIONS: The analyzed surgical techniques propose different parts of LPW on which to focus and a variable degree of invasivity. Despite the very promising results, no gold standard for the treatment of pharyngeal wall collapsibility has been proposed. However, thanks to progressive technological innovations and increasingly precise data analysis, the role of LPW surgery seems to be crucial in the treatment of OSAS patients.

Transoral Endoscopic Coblation Tongue Base Surgery in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Resection versus Ablation.

BACKGROUND: A new transoral tongue base surgical procedure for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is described. It is named "Robo-Cob" technique because it is similar to transoral robotic surgery (TORS) but it is performed by means of coblation technology in order to resect the tongue base in countries where TORS is not an available option for such benign conditions. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, the new Robo-Cob technique was carried out in 25 adult OSA patients with confirmed tongue base hypertrophy at preoperative drug-induced sedation endoscopy. The results of this procedure were compared with the coblation endoscopic lingual lightening (CELL) technique used to ablate (or minimally resect) the central part of the tongue base, in another 25 adult OSA patients with similar characteristics (age, sex, preoperative body mass index and Apnea-Hypopnea Index, AHI). The base of tongue surgery was part of multilevel surgery including also septoturbinoplasty and barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (with/without tonsillectomy). RESULTS: In this study, the Robo-Cob technique is proved to be feasible and effective in all cases either alone or when combined with other procedures in multilevel surgical settings. No/minimal intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. Postoperative pain as measured by visual analog scale ranged from 3 to 7. No tracheostomy was done in any patient. Objective clinical improvement was confirmed by a level 3 polygraphy performed 6 months after surgery. There was significant difference in operative time at the level of the tongue base between Robo-Cob and CELL techniques, with shorter times observed within the Robo-Cob group. Moreover, the Robo-Cob technique provided tongue base tissue specimens that allowed measurement of the volume that ranged from 5 to 17 cm3 (mean 11.64 ± 3.49 cm3). It was found that resection of at least 10 cm3 of tongue base tissue was associated with better outcomes in terms of postoperative AHI reduction. CONCLUSION: In this study, the added values of using coblation for resection and not ablation appear to be the short surgical time, the low postoperative tissue edema, and the possibility of providing tissue specimens to measure resected volumes.

Intravitreal aflibercept versus intravitreal ranibizumab for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept and ranibizumab in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in eyes with moderate visual loss. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is a randomized prospective study. Seventy eyes with DME were divided into two groups (each containing 35 eyes). Eyes in group I were treated with intravitreal injection of 2 mg/0.05 mL aflibercept and eyes in group II were treated with intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg/0.1 mL ranibizumab. All the eyes had three successive injections as a loading dose (with 1 month interval), and then the patients were followed up monthly for 12 months. The outcomes of the study were visual acuity, central macular thickness (CMT), and the number of re-injections of the drug. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients in group I was 55.05±4.7 years and in group II was 56.64±5.8 years (P=0.17). The mean baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of eyes treated with aflibercept was 0.17±0.05 and with ranibizumab was 0.18±0.04 (P=0.9). BCVA was improved in both the groups at the end of the follow-up period and was found to be 0.42±0.28 and 0.37±0.23, respectively (P=0.27). The mean baseline CMT of eyes in group I was 465.29±33.7 µm and in group II was 471.5±34.4 µm (P=0.65). CMT decreased in both the groups to 360.8±85.7 µm and 387.3±87.8 µm, respectively (P=0.2). The mean number of drug re-injection was 2.62±0.68 and 3.03±0.95 in both the groups, respectively (P=0.02). CONCLUSION: Aflibercept and ranibizumab have the same efficacy in the treatment of DME in eyes with moderate visual loss but with less number of drug re-injection and less treatment burden with aflibercept (2.62±0.68 versus 3.03±0.95).

Hemostatic Options for Transoral Robotic Surgery of the Pharynx and Base of Tongue.

Surgery with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) offers significant advantages compared with traditional open surgical approaches and potentially minimizes the long-term side effects of organ preservation therapy with chemoradiation. Angled telescopes and wristed instruments allow visualization and access to areas of the pharynx that are difficult to reach with line-of-sight instrumentation. Although the application of TORS in head and neck surgery has expanded considerably, there are still only limited data available on the postoperative complications and their management. As further data become available, it is likely that further risk factors and treatment strategies will become available.

Barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP) for OSAHS: a feasibility, safety, efficacy and teachability pilot study. "We are on the giant's shoulders".

A new palatal procedure for snoring/obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is described. The procedure was named as barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP). The technique is described step by step. The new surgical technique was carried out in ten adult OSA patients with mean age of 53.4 ± 12.4 years (average 30-70) with confirmed retropalatal obstruction. In this pilot study; we assessed the feasibility by calculating the number of cases that failed to be operated and converted to other palatal technique during the same surgical setting, safety was assessed by evaluating both intra-operative and post-operative complications, teachability measured by the learning curve of our team members (the time of surgical procedure). In this study, the technique is proved to be feasible in all cases. There were no significant intra-operative or post-operative complications. Objective clinical improvement was confirmed by polysomnography 6 months post-operative with significant decrease in mean AHI from 43.65 ± 26.83 to 13.57 ± 15.41 (P = 0.007), daytime sleepiness assessed by Epworth Sleepiness Scale from 11.6 ± 4.86 to 4.3 ± 2 (P < 0.01), ODI from 44.7 ± 27.3 to 12.9 ± 16.3 (P = 0.004). Operative time decreased over the course of the study with an initial steep ascent in technical skill acquisition followed by more gradual improvement, and a steady decrease in operative time to as short as 20 min. Our preliminary results suggest that BRP technique is feasible, safe and effective in management of OSA patients. Moreover, it is easy to learn even for not experienced surgeons, less time consuming and with no significant complications.

Combined transoral robotic tongue base surgery and palate surgery in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome: expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty versus uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome is a relatively young technique principally devised for managing apneas in the tongue base (TB) area and supraglottic larynx. This procedure is included in the so-called "multilevel surgery" often including a palatal and nasal surgery. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective analysis in order to understand in detail the relative impact on apneas of the 2 different procedures carried out in the palate area (expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty). We evaluated 2 groups, each of 12 cases, which were sorted according to the primary selection criteria of statistically comparable preoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and volume of removed TB tissue. RESULTS: Postoperative AHI registered was of 9.9 ± 8.6 SD for the expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty group and 19.8 ± 14.1 SD for the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty group. CONCLUSION: As the palate component of our multilevel procedure, expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, including conventional nose surgery and robotic surgery, seems to be superior to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.