Practice and Advocacy
AAO-HNS StoreLaser-Assisted Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in Adults
Polysomnography, either by a formal sleep study or by a validated less rigorous cardiorespiratory technique, is necessary for the preoperative evaluation of the patient who is a heavy snorer. The lack of symptomatic sleepiness is inadequate to rule out Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Low risk heavy snorers undoubtedly exist, but we are unable to identify these patients by symptoms alone.
Subsequent development of OSA in the population of heavy snorers is possible with aging or weight gain despite successful surgical treatment for snoring. Patients should be informed that long-term follow-up and further medical care may be necessary.
Adopted 7/9/94
Submitted for Review 4/13/95
Revised 12/12/98
Submitted for Review 3/1/98
Reaffirmed 3/1/98
Guidelines are not a substitute for the experience and judgment of a physician and are developed to enhance the physicians' ability to practice evidence-based medicine.
Important Notice
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. and Foundation (AAO-HNS/F) Policy Statements are guidelines only. In no sense do they represent a standard of care. The applicability of an indicator for a procedure, and/or of the process or outcome criteria, must be determined by the responsible physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient. Adherence to these guidelines will not ensure successful treatment in every situation. The AAO-HNS emphasizes that these policies should not be deemed inclusive of all proper treatment decisions or methods of care, nor exclusive of other treatment decisions or methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results.
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