This systematic review demonstrated that myofunctional therapy has reduced snoring in adults based on both subjective questionnaires and objective sleep studies.

ObjectiveTonsillectomy with adenoidectomy is a combination surgery that has been used to treat pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). For adults, tonsillectomy has also been reported as a primary treatment modality when the tissue is hypertrophied. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses of tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy as used in the treatment of OSA in children and adults.Data sourcesNine databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE.Review methodsDatabases were searched from their inception through July 9, 2017. The PRISMA statement was followed.ResultsMore than 20 recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses were identified regarding tonsillectomy as a treatment modality for OSA. There were four articles that addressed tonsillectomy’s overall success, efficacy, and complications in otherwise healthy pediatric patients. Three studies evaluated tonsillectomy in obese children, and two specifically examined children with Down syndrome. Only one systematic review and meta-analysis discussed tonsillectomy as a treatment for OSA in the adult population.ConclusionTonsillectomy as an isolated treatment modality is rarely performed in pediatric patients with OSA; however, tonsillectomy is commonly performed in combination with adenoidectomy and the combination has demonstrated efficacy as the primary treatment option for most children. In the limited adult data, tonsillectomy alone for OSA has a surprising success rate; yet, more research is required to determine long-term improvement and need for further treatment.

Adenoidectomy alone has improved obstructive sleep apnoea in children, especially in those aged less than 12 months; however, given the low number of studies, isolated adenoidectomy remains an area for additional research.

Tongue-lip adhesion and tongue repositioning can improve apnoea/hypopnoea index and oxygenation parameters in children with Pierre Robin sequence and obstructive sleep apnoea.

Most children undergoing tongue surgeries in the literature were syndromic and had craniofacial disorders, co-morbidities, or other serious medical issues. Children with a body mass index <25 kg/m and non-syndromic children have had the most improvement in AHI. The specific type of surgery must be tailored to the patient. Patients with co-morbidities should undergo treatment in centers that are equipped to provide appropriate perioperative care.