Long-term quality outcomes of bimaxillary surgery of obstructive sleep apnoea
Reviewed by Stuart Clark

This is a review of 12 patients initially two years postoperatively and again at least 17 years postop. Successful outcome of a decrease in apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) of greater than 50% was thought to be success. Eight of the initial 12 patients were initially cured. Four of the six had remained stable at a median follow-up of 19 years. Only the two patients with the highest AHI showed abnormal Epworth Sleepiness Scores. Aesthetic changes were found to be acceptable in all but one patient, stating they would undergo the same surgery again. Younger age, a lower BMI, preoperative AHI and higher degree of maxillary advancement have all been considered as products of surgical success. However, in this study preoperative age, BMI or AHI values were found to be irrelevant. They found that subsequent weight gain could influence long-term treatment outcome and advocate systematic re-evaluation annually or every five years depending upon the severity of the condition.

Long-term quality of life outcomes of maxillomandibular advancement osteotomy in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.
Pottel L, Neyt N, Hertegonne K, et al.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
2019;48:332-40.