Machine learning-based preoperative datamining can predict the therapeutic outcome of sleep surgery in OSA subjects

Increasing recognition of anatomical obstruction has resulted in a large variety of sleep surgeries to improve anatomic collapse of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the prediction of whether sleep surgery will have successful outcome is very important. The aim of this study is to assess a machine learning-based clinical model that predict the success rate of sleep surgery in OSA subjects. The predicted success rate from machine learning and the predicted subjective surgical outcome from the physician were compared with the actual success rate in 163 male dominated-OSA subjects. Predicted success rate of sleep surgery from machine learning models based on sleep parameters and endoscopic findings of upper airway demonstrated higher accuracy than subjective predicted value of sleep surgeon. The gradient boosting model showed the best performance to predict the surgical success that is evaluated by pre- and post-operative polysomnography or home sleep apnea testing among the logistic regression and three machine learning models, and the accuracy of gradient boosting model (0.708) was significantly higher than logistic regression model (0.542). Our data demonstrate that the data mining-driven prediction such as gradient boosting exhibited higher accuracy for prediction of surgical outcome and we can provide accurate information on surgical outcomes before surgery to OSA subjects using machine learning models.

815 Australian Surgery Trainee Education for Contemporary Airway Management of OSA: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Study

Introduction In Australia, ASOHNS delivers no formal curriculum for training of OHNS, or levels of competency required, to assess and treat complex OSA patients. Australian OHNS trainee confidence, knowledge and exposure to complex multi-level OSA surgery is lacking. Lack of exposure to sufficient complex OSA surgery case load has been identified as a major weakness in training within a recently published international survey. This study was a randomized clinical trial evaluating the effect of Australian OHNS trainee exposure to education materials compared with no exposure, on Sleep Surgery specific examination performance (multiple choice and short written answer). Methods 70 accredited and 45 unaccredited OHNS trainees were invited to participate in this trial. Participants were randomly assigned to Sleep Surgery educational material exposure or no exposure to those materials. Those randomized to the exposure group were provided educational material and were given 2 weeks exposure time prior to the exam. Each participant then complete an online examin, consisting of 40 multiple choice questions and 1 short answer question (marked by a field expert). Differences between exposure and control group means were tested using independent t-tests. Results 24 trainees were allocated to exposure and 22 to control. 33 participants attempted the examination. The were no significant differences between groups in the multiple choice (mean difference 1.3 ± 1.6 [3.3%], p=0.41) or written exam test scores (mean difference 1.8 ± 1.2 [9.0%], p=0.14). Accredited trainees performed better in the written exam (mean difference 2.6 ± 1.1 [13.0%], p=0.03). The mean test score in a separate exploratory group of 2 sleep fellowship trained OHNS was considerably higher in both exams. Conclusion This study suggests that exposure to formal education material may improve understanding of sleep surgery. Accredited trainees performed better than unaccredited trainees but the difference was small. Poor test performance in both groups may indicate further formal sleep surgery teaching is required in the ASOHNS training curriculum. Further research is required to identify the best ways possible to educate OHNS trainees in the complex and nuanced decision making required for OSA patients. Support (if any) Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute Grant 2019.

452 Patient Factors and Preferences in Decision for Sleep Surgery: A Qualitative Analysis

Introduction Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are offered many treatment options spanning the spectrum of lifestyle modification, device therapy, and surgery. Sleep surgery, while often effective, results in moderate morbidity and has variable effectiveness on OSA improvement. Little is known about what patients consider when choosing treatment. We aim to identify factors that influenced the decision for sleep surgery among adults with OSA. Methods We conducted semi-structured virtual interviews with patients (≥18 years) with OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥5 events per hour of sleep) who underwent sleep surgery at a tertiary academic center, querying patients about factors in their decision for OSA treatment. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content. We anticipate enrolling 10–18 total participants based on previously reported sample size in specialty groups for thematic saturation in specialty groups (ie, when no new concepts or factors emerge from interviews). Here we report pilot qualitative analysis results. Results Of nine eligible patients, eight enrolled (mean +/- standard deviation age 45.8 +/- 13.4 years, 2 female/6 males). Four patients underwent nasal surgery only, two patients underwent staged procedures, one underwent pharyngeal surgery only, and the last underwent nasal surgery with tori removal. Patients reported decision making duration of days to years for scheduling surgery. Reasons for pursuing sleep surgery included fatigue, quality of life, work performance, and safety. Overarching thematic domains related to decision for surgery were (1) major concerns, (2) external factors influencing decision, and (3) retrospective satisfaction/regret with decision. Major concerns involved factors beyond surgeon’s control, such as anesthesia and postoperative pain management, not surgery itself. Family and friends were reported to be highly influential in the process, both in favor and against surgery. Social media features and celebrity patients with OSA heightened awareness of sleep surgery and set preconceived expectations. Patients were mostly satisfied with outcomes, despite unanticipated acute recovery challenges. Conclusion This pilot qualitative analysis identifies factors influencing patients’ OSA treatment decisions. Understanding patients’ major concerns and sources of information may help to guide physician counseling, set realistic expectations, offer peri-operative support, and better engage parents in shared decision-making for sleep surgery. Support (if any) None.