Comparative effectiveness of hypoglossal nerve stimulation and alternative treatments for obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Summary Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the primary therapeutic modality for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) management. However, despite efforts to encourage patients to comply with CPAP usage, long‐term adherence remains low. Consequently, surgical intervention for OSA is considered a secondary option for patients who exhibit non‐compliance with CPAP. Therefore, we conducted systematic review and meta‐analysis assessed the relative effectiveness of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) treatment and alternative surgical interventions for managing OSA. Five databases were searched. Studies were included if they measured polysomnography parameters and assessed sleep apnea‐related quality of life (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]) both before and after HNS, and compared these outcomes with control, CPAP, or airway surgery (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, or tongue base surgery) groups. A total of 10 studies (2209 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Compared to other airway surgeries, the rates of post‐treatment apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) < 10 and < 15 events/h were significantly lower in the HNS group (odds ratio [OR] 5.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21–23.42; and 2.73, 95% CI 1.30–5.71, respectively). Additionally, postoperative AHI was significantly lower in the HNS group than in all other airway surgery groups (AHI: mean difference [MD] −8.00, 95% CI −12.03 to−3.97 events/h). However, there were no significant differences in the rate of post‐treatment AHI < 5 events/h (OR 1.93, 95% CI 0.74–5.06) or postoperative ESS score (MD 0.40, 95% CI−1.52 to 2.32) between the two groups. HNS is an effective option for selected patients with moderate‐to‐severe OSA and CPAP intolerance.