Functional evaluation of the upper respiratory tract in sleep-related breathing disorders

In the interdisciplinary approach to obstructive sleep apnea, surgical alternatives to continuous positive airway pressure are still being controversially discussed. In this context, the functional evaluation of the upper respiratory tract gains additional importance. Recent studies have analyzed predictive parameters to improve surgical success. The present review addresses the current techniques that assess the functional anatomy of the upper respiratory tract (e.g., endoscopy under sedation and multichannel pressure recordings). Methodological aspects associated with these techniques and the impact on the indications for specific surgical interventions are discussed. More multicenter studies are needed to improve the evidence of these techniques. © 2009 Springer.