Effects of Surgery on Oral Frailty and Dysphagia in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Dysphagia is a commonly reported complaint among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), particularly those who have undergone upper-airway (oropharyngeal) surgery. However, how surgical treatment for OSA affects swallowing function and oral function (oral frailty) remains unclear. This prospective cohort study recruits adults with moderate-to-severe OSA from the sleep medicine clinic of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taiwan. Participants choose their own treatment as part of routine care; the study does not assign or influence treatment. Participants who undergo OSA surgery form the surgery group, and those who receive non-surgical treatment (e.g., CPAP) or no treatment form the non-surgical group. Swallowing difficulty (EAT-10) and oral frailty (seven oral hypofunction indicators) are assessed before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed by a physician with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index \>= 15 events/hour) * Aged 20 years or older * Willing to receive next-step treatment for obstructive sleep apnea * Willing to participate and provides written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with central sleep apnea * Neuromuscular disease (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease) * Diagnosed with oral cancer and currently receiving oral treatment