The influence of orthognathic surgery on ventilation during sleep

Orthognathic surgery has varying effects on respiratory parameters. The authors undertook a prospective study of patients requiring mandibular advancement, mandibular setback and maxillary Le Fort I advancement, and surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME). Breathing parameters were monitored in a sleep laboratory the night before the operation and in a mean of 9.5 months after the operation. In patients treated with mandibular advancement, the respiratory disturbance index (RDI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and number of obstructive apnoeas (OAs) improved significantly. In patients treated with mandibular setback and maxillary Le Fort I advancement, the RDI, ODI, index of flow limitations (IFL), number of obstructive hypopnoeas (OHs), OA, and oxygen saturation deteriorated. In contrast, patients treated with SARME improved only mildly. These results indicate that bimaxillary surgery for Class III malocclusion increased upper airway resistance, probably because of a more dorsal positioning of the base of the tongue, representing an iatrogenic obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). A young person would probably be able to balance such a decline in respiratory function using different adaptative mechanisms. Mandibular advancement significantly improved respiratory parameters during sleep. The possible effect of orthognathic surgery on the upper airways should be incorporated into the treatment plan.