The role of epiglottopexy for pediatric OSA

Epiglottopexy is an uncommon, but effective procedure for pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea. It is important to establish retroflexion and collapse of the epiglottis at the base of tongue prior to surgery. Preoperative polysomnogram, flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy, and sometimes drug induced sleep endoscopy are critical components of the workup as many patients who benefit from epiglottopexy have already failed primary adenotonsillectomy. The surgery involves demucosalizing the base of tongue and lingual surface of the epiglottis and securing the 2 structures to one another. Patients tolerate the procedure well and can often be discharged home the following day. Epiglottopexy is an uncommon, but effective procedure for pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea. It is important to establish retroflexion and collapse of the epiglottis at the base of tongue prior to surgery. Preoperative polysomnogram, flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy, and sometimes drug induced sleep endoscopy are critical components of the workup as many patients who benefit from epiglottopexy have already failed primary adenotonsillectomy. The surgery involves demucosalizing the base of tongue and lingual surface of the epiglottis and securing the 2 structures to one another. Patients tolerate the procedure well and can often be discharged home the following day.