Advancements in Tongue Suspension Suture Techniques for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Step-by-Step Guide

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a multifactorial disease that affects the velopharynx, oropharyngeal lateral wall, tongue, and epiglottis. Tongue collapse is difficult to identify precisely, and treatment outcomes are inconsistent. Therefore, we describe here advancements in tongue suspension suture techniques, which is a safe and effective method for managing OSA patients who have obstruction in the tongue area. Subjects and Method: A 28-year-old female presented to our otorhinolaryngology clinic with snoring and sleep apnea. Her tonsil size was II/II and her body mass index was 30.94 kg/m². The apnea-hypopnea index was 69.9 and the lowest O₂ saturation was 84%. We performed uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and tongue base traction using the advancements in tongue suspension suture techniques. Results: At the 1- and 3-month postoperative follow-up visits, the patient reported subjective improvement in sleep and quality of life, with no adverse events. Conclusion: Advancements in tongue suspension suture techniques may offer a viable option for improving tongue base obstruction in OSA patients. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.