Is maxillomandibular advancement an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea? Systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 May-Jun;89(3):503-510. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2023.02.007. Epub 2023 Mar 13.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of maxillomandibular advancement surgery in the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea by comparing the pre- and postoperative Apnea and Hypopnea Index, in addition to classifying the degree of evidence and risk of intervention bias.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in the PUBMED, LILACS, EMBASE, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE and COCHRANE platforms, including cohort studies with polysomnographic follow-up, without other associated pharyngeal or nasal surgical procedures. The risk of study bias was assessed using the Modified Delphi technique. Pre- and postoperative Apnea and Hypopnea Index data were plotted for meta-analysis, and the quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system.

Results: Of 1882 references, 32 articles were selected for full-text reading, of which four studies were included, totaling 83 adults with obstructive sleep apnea who underwent maxillomandibular advancement. The meta-analysis was in favor of the intervention (DM = -33.36, 95% CI -41.43 to -25.29, p < 0.00001), with a mean percentage reduction in the Apnea and Hypopnea Index of 79.5% after surgery, even though the level of evidence was classified as very low quality by the GRADE system.

Conclusion: The meta-analysis was in favor of the intervention, characterizing maxillomandibular advancement surgery as an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in adults.

Keywords: Maxillomandibular advancement; OSA; Polysomnography.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Mandibular Advancement*
  • Maxilla / surgery
  • Polysomnography
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome