The Impact of Upper Airway Stimulation on Swallowing Function

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of upper airway stimulation therapy (UAS) on swallowing function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Academic medical center. Participants and Outcome Measures: We recorded demographic, preoperative polysomnogram (PSG), operative, and postoperative PSG data. We assessed the patients swallowing function using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) dysphagia questionnaire. This was administered both pre- and postoperatively. The postoperative EAT-10 survey was administered at least 3 months after UAS implantation. Results: During the study period, 27 patients underwent UAS implantation, completed the pre- and postoperative EAT-10 questionnaire, met inclusion/exclusion criteria, and were included in the study. The cohort consisted of 16 men and 11 women with a mean age of 63.63 years. The mean preoperative BMI, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) were 29.37, 10.33, and 34.90, respectively. The mean postoperative ESS and AHI were 5.25 and 7.59, respectively. These were both significantly lower than the preoperative values ( P = .026 and P < .001). The mean pre- and postoperative EAT-10 scores were 0.37 and 0.22, respectively ( P = .461). Conclusion: Our data suggest that UAS likely does not lead to postoperative dysphagia.