Maxillomandibular-chin surgical advancement for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea — review of 13 patients

Abstract

inevitable exposure to the infection perhaps unwittingly so given that approximately 18,100 (17%) people living with HIV in the United Kingdom (UK) are unaware of their HIV positive status. There is therefore a need for guidance specific to oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) procedures to establish an acceptable threshold of known and unknown risk to both the patient and OMFS personnel with regard to HIV infection, both diagnosed and undiagnosed. Objectives: We explore the surgical opinion of OMFS surgeons within the UK on managing the HIV positive OMFS patient. Methods: An online questionnaire was performed to assess the current awareness of HIV and its management, establish opinions, concerns and the incumbent challenges involved in managing such patients in the context of OMFS. Findings: The majority of clinicians felt they had limited knowledge on the complexities involved in managing such patients and sort clearer additional guidance on how to best optimise this patient group. Conclusion: Clearer guidance is required in the management of the HIV positive OMFS patient and this study will help to inform this.