Complications of hyoid suspension in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

The objectives of the study are to assess adverse events and complications of hyoid suspension (HS) as a treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The study design was cohort. Thirty-nine patients with OSAS and obstruction at tongue base level, as assessed by sleep endoscopy, underwent HS. Information about adverse events and complications were obtained by reviewing charts and patient-completed questionnaires. The mean follow-up period from surgery to last control visit was 13.1 months (range 2-38). The charts demonstrated mainly adverse events. Minor complications occurred in six patients. No major complications were observed. The mean admission duration was 3.3 days (range 2-5). Twenty-six patients (67%) returned their questionnaires. No association was found between completing questionnaires and the success of the intervention (p = 0.73). The questionnaires were completed on average 25.9 months (range 3.5-51.5) after surgery. VAS scores showed a fast decline in complaints regarding taste, speech, swallowing and pain. No significant long-term differences were found, when comparing the postoperative VAS scores with the preoperative VAS scores. Of the 26 evaluable questionnaires, 20 patients (77%) would recommend HS to an acquaintance if they suffered from sleep apnea syndrome, when only taking side effects into consideration. The intention to give a positive recommendation did not seem to be related to the therapeutic success of the intervention. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the complication rate of HS is low and that the discomfort is very acceptable.