COMPARISON BETWEEN CONSERVATIVE AND SURGICAL TREATMENT IN ADULT OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47820/recima21.v7i1.7188Keywords:
obstructive sleep apnea, conservative treatment, surgical procedures, adults, systematic review, sleep quality.Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a highly prevalent and underdiagnosed condition in adults, associated with significant clinical and functional consequences and impaired quality of life, making appropriate therapeutic decision-making essential. Given the diversity of available approaches, this study aimed to compare the outcomes of conservative and surgical treatments for OSAS in adults, based on recent evidence from the literature. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, with searches performed in the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases, covering the period from 2021 to 2025. Clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of conservative and surgical interventions in adult patients with OSAS were included. After the selection process, 28 studies were included, comprising a total of 2,473 participants. The results indicate that conservative treatments provide consistent benefits in improving daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and quality of life, although their impact on reducing the apnea–hypopnea index was heterogeneous. In contrast, surgical interventions demonstrated greater effectiveness in objectively reducing OSAS severity and higher clinical success rates, particularly in patients with specific anatomical alterations. It is concluded that both approaches are effective and complementary, and therapeutic decisions should be individualized, taking into account disease severity, anatomical characteristics, treatment adherence, and patient preferences.
Downloads
References
ANDERSON, N.; TRAN, P. Obstructive sleep apnea. Primary Care, v. 52, n. 1, p. 47–59, mar. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.pop.2024.09.007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pop.2024.09.007
ARSLAN, E.; ŞEVGIN, B. Effects of orofacial myofunctional therapy alone versus combined with myofascial release in obstructive sleep apnoea: a randomized controlled study. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, v. 51, n. 2, p. 226-236, 2024. DOI: 10.1111/joor.13579. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.13579
ATTIA, A. A.; AWAD, S. S.; MANSOUR, M. et al. Effects of different treatments for obstructive sleep apnea on temporomandibular joint: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Oral Health, v. 24, 931, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-024-04623-w
BANHIRAN, W. et al. Randomized cross-over study comparing three models of auto-titrating positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. Siriraj Medical Journal, v. 77, n. 4, p. 298–304, 2025. DOI: 10.33192/smj.v77i4.272529. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v77i4.272529
BAPTISTA, P. M. et al. Transcutaneous hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea: results of the THN3 randomized clinical trial. JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, v. 150, n. 1, p. 45-54, 2024.
BENJAFIELD, A. V. et al. Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnoea: a literature-based analysis. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, v. 7, n. 8, p. 687–698, 2019. DOI: 10.1016/S2213-2600(19)30198-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(19)30198-5
BIRONNEAU, V. et al. Auto-adjusted versus fixed positive airway pressure in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnoea: a large randomized controlled trial. Respirology, v. 28, n. 11, p. 1069-1077, nov. 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/resp.14569
BOOF, M. L. et al. Effect of the new dual orexin receptor antagonist daridorexant on nighttime respiratory function and sleep in patients with mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep, v. 44, n. 6, p. zsaa275, 2021. DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa275.
BOOF, M.-L.; UFER, M.; FIETZE, I.; PÉPIN, J.-L.; GUERN, A.-S.; LEMOINE, V.; DINGEMANSE, J. Assessment of the effect of the dual orexin receptor antagonist daridorexant on various indices of disease severity in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Medicine, v. 92, p. 4-11, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2021.11.015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2021.11.015
BRATTON, D. J. et al. CPAP vs mandibular advancement devices and blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA, v. 320, n. 15, p. 1561–1573, 2018. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2018.14280. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.14280
BRATTON, D. J.; GILLINGHAM, K.; KOCH, H. et al. Mandibular advancement device versus CPAP in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, v. 72, n. 17, p. 1964–1974, 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.07.084. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2018.07.084
BRODIE, K. D.; GOLDBERG, A. N. Obstructive sleep apnea: a surgeon's perspective. Medical Clinics of North America, v. 105, n. 5, p. 885–900, set. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2021.05.010. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2021.05.010
CAMACHO, M. et al. Myofunctional therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep, Oxford, v. 42, n. 5, p. 1–12, 2019. DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsy249. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsy249
CHANG, H. P.; CHEN, Y. F.; DU, J. K. Obstructive sleep apnea treatment in adults. Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, v. 36, n. 1, p. 7–12, jan. 2020. DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12130. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/kjm2.12130
DE AZEREDO, L. R. et al. Effects of inspiratory muscle training on obstructive sleep apnoea outcomes: a randomized controlled trial. Chest, v. 162, n. 6, p. 1786-1795, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.08.1541. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2022.08.1541
DELIJAJ, F.; LINDHAGEN, L.; JOHNSSON, L.; KRISTIANSSON, P.; LINDBERG, E. Treatment effect of head extension by cervical collar on moderate obstructive sleep apnea – a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Sleep Research, v. 34, n. 4, e14463, 2025. DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14463. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.14463
EDWARDS, B. A. et al. Combined supplemental oxygen and mandibular advancement device therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea: a randomised controlled trial. Journal name, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01320-2025
EDWARDS, B. A.; SANDS, S. A.; ECKERT, D. J. et al. Acute effects of oxygen and oral appliance therapy on obstructive sleep apnea. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, v. 195, n. 4, p. 477–485, 2017. DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201606-1210OC.
EKLOF, J. M. et al. Mandibular advancement device versus continuous positive airway pressure in severe obstructive sleep apnea: impact on 24-hour blood pressure, quality of life and cardiovascular parameters. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, v. 164, n. 9, p. 1626-1634, 2001. DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm.164.9.2103032. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.164.9.2103032
GAGNEUX-BENJAMIN, C.; PÉPIN, J. L.; TATU, L. et al. Mandibular advancement device as a substitute for CPAP withdrawal in severe obstructive sleep apnea. European Respiratory Journal, v. 56, n. 2, p. 1902318, 2020. DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02318-2019.
HEISER, C. et al. Outcomes of hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea in a multicenter German post-market study. Sleep, v. 42, n. 4, p. 1–9, 2019. DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz013. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsz013
IFTIKHAR, I. H. et al. Effect of exercise training on sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lung, v. 199, n. 4, p. 363–371, 2021. DOI: 10.1007/s00408-021-00452-7.
KENT, D. T. et al. Quality-of-life outcomes after surgery or CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, v. 164, n. 2, p. 360–369, 2021. DOI: 10.1177/0194599820947563.
KIRSCH, D. B. Obstructive sleep apnea. Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), v. 26, n. 4, p. 908–928, ago. 2020. DOI: 10.1212/CON.0000000000000885. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/CON.0000000000000885
LEE, J. J.; SUNDAR, K. M. Evaluation and management of adults with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Lung, v. 199, n. 2, p. 87–101, abr. 2021. DOI: 10.1007/s00408-021-00426-w. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-021-00426-w
LINS-FILHO, O.; SOARES GERMANO, A. H.; PORTO AGUIAR, J. L. et al. Effect of high-intensity interval training on obstructive sleep apnea severity: A randomized controlled trial. Respirology, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2023.11.935
MCKIM, D. A.; MORGAN, R. K.; WONG, J. et al. High-flow nasal cannula therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized crossover trial. Chest, v. 160, n. 4, p. 1324–1335, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.04.067. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2021.04.067
MENDELSON, M. et al. High-intensity interval training improves obstructive sleep apnea severity and sleep architecture. Sleep Medicine, v. 103, p. 12–20, 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2023.01.012. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2023.01.012
NUSSBAUMER-OCHSNER, Y.; LATSHANG, T. D.; ULRICH, S.; KOHLER, M.; THURNHEER, R.; BLOCH, K. E. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome benefit from acetazolamide during an altitude sojourn: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Chest, v. 141, n. 1, p. 131-138, 2012. DOI: 10.1378/chest.11-0375 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.11-0375
PANAH, Z. E. et al. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with and without modified thyrohyoid suspension plus radiofrequency for obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized clinical trial. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, v. 280, n. 10, p. 4677–4685, 2023. DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08068-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-023-08068-9
PATIL, S. P. et al. Treatment of adult obstructive sleep apnea with positive airway pressure: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, v. 15, n. 2, p. 335–343, 2019. DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.7640. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.7640
PEPIN, J. L.; TULLOCH, A.; WRIGHT, J. et al. Fixed CPAP versus auto-adjusting CPAP: a randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, v. 184, n. 7, p. 881–887, 2011. DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201103-0526OC.
PONCIN, W.; CORREVON, N.; TAM, J. et al. The effect of tongue elevation muscle training in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a randomised controlled trial. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, v. 49, n. 11, p. 1049–1059, 2022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.13369
RAMAR, K. et al. Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring with oral appliance therapy. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, v. 17, n. 10, p. 2155–2166, 2021. DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.9328. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.9328
RAVIKUMAR, A.; YANG, J.; KING, S. et al. Cervical collar therapy improves obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial. Sleep, v. 43, n. 6, p. 1–10, 2020. DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz292. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsz292
ROBBINS, J. A. et al. Gefapixant as a P2X3 receptor antagonist treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, v. 20, n. 12, p. 1905–1913, 2024. DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.11272. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.11272
RUEDA, J. R. et al. Myofunctional therapy (oropharyngeal exercises) for obstructive sleep apnoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, London, n. 11, p. CD013449, 2023. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013449.pub2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013449.pub2
RUNDO, J. V. Obstructive sleep apnea basics. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, v. 86, n. 9 (suppl. 1), p. 2–9, set. 2019. DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.86.s1.02. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.86.s1.02
SCHWEITZER, P. K. et al. The combination of aroxybutynin and atomoxetine in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial. Sleep, v. 44, n. 6, p. zsaa275, 2021. DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa275. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsaa275
SOMMER, J. U. et al. Tonsillectomy with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty versus no treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, v. 13, n. 9, p. 1089–1096, 2017. DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.6730. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.6730
STROLLA, R. M. et al. Efficacy and safety of a novel bilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation system for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea: the OSPREY randomized clinical trial. Sleep, v. 46, n. 11, p. zsad201, 2023.
STROLLO, P. J. et al. Upper airway stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea: durability of the treatment effect at 24 months. Sleep, v. 41, n. 4, p. 1–8, 2018. DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsy043. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsy061.535
SUTHERLAND, K. et al. Oral appliance treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: an update. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Darien, v. 16, n. 3, p. 463–472, 2020. DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.8228. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.8228
TIËL GROENESTEGE-KOTTER, I. et al. Effects of tongue-strength training on daytime sleepiness and tongue strength in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, v. 48, n. 8, p. 954-961, 2021. DOI: 10.1111/joor.13147. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.13147
TRIPATHI, M. K. et al. Efficacy of adjunctive acetazolamide with continuous positive airway pressure in moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, v. 16, n. 8, p. 1301–1310, 2025. DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.12346.
VICINI, C. et al. Surgery vs ventilation in adult severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. American Journal of Otolaryngology, v. 41, n. 3, p. 102–110, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2019.102384. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjoto.2019.102384
WOODSON, B. T. et al. Effect of upper airway stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea on apnea–hypopnea index and daytime sleepiness: a randomized clinical trial. New England Journal of Medicine, v. 370, n. 2, p. 139-149, 2014.
WU, C. et al. Efficacy of oropharyngeal exercises as an adjuvant therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 1 feb. 2024.
YILMAZ, S. et al. The effects of aerobic and oropharyngeal exercises on sleep quality of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: a randomized controlled study. Sleep and Breathing, 2024. DOI: 10.1007/s11325-024-02871-5.
YU, C. C. et al. High-flow nasal cannula compared with continuous positive airway pressure in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep and Breathing, v. 26, n. 2, p. 549–558, 2022. DOI: 10.1007/s11325-021-02413-0. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-021-02413-0
ZAGHI, S. et al. Maxillomandibular advancement for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis. JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, v. 145, n. 9, p. 1–11, 2019. DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2019.0985.
Downloads
Published
License
Copyright (c) 2026 RECIMA21 - Revista Científica Multidisciplinar - ISSN 2675-6218

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Os direitos autorais dos artigos/resenhas/TCCs publicados pertecem à revista RECIMA21, e seguem o padrão Creative Commons (CC BY 4.0), permitindo a cópia ou reprodução, desde que cite a fonte e respeite os direitos dos autores e contenham menção aos mesmos nos créditos. Toda e qualquer obra publicada na revista, seu conteúdo é de responsabilidade dos autores, cabendo a RECIMA21 apenas ser o veículo de divulgação, seguindo os padrões nacionais e internacionais de publicação.






