Diagnosing Sleep Disorders

During the procedure, patients are placed under mild sedation with medication that simulates natural sleep. Physicians can then evaluate the airway using an endoscope – a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera, allowing your surgeon to observe the upper airway structures and identify areas of obstruction, such as the soft palate, tongue or lateral pharyngeal walls.

Drug induced sleep endoscopy is a standard procedure that is a safe and effective tool for evaluating upper airway obstruction in patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

The "PAP" in DISE-PAP stands for positive airway pressure. During the procedure, your surgeon applies a gentle amount of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) through a mask over your nose and mouth. This allows them to measure the opening pressure of the throat. This helps determine the best treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea, include CPAP, oral appliances or surgery.

DISE-PAP is currently performed at a limited number of specialized centers nationwide, including UChicago Medicine.

Before appointment:

• Sleep endoscopy is an outpatient procedure.
• Do not eat for eight hours prior to the procedure. You can take clear liquids up to three hours prior to the procedure.
• Continue taking your normal medications as prescribed, especially any blood pressure or cardiac medications with a small glass of water.

During appointment:

• A small IV will be placed prior to the procedure to allow for the administration of medication and sedation.
• You will then be brought to the endoscopy room to be fitted with monitors to measure your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing.
• The doctor will take some initial measurements of your throat, and the anesthesia team will proceed with your sedation.
• The doctor will use a small camera to visualize your throat and determine the areas of blockage during your sleep apnea events and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to measure the collapsibility of your throat tissues.
• Upon completion of the study, you will need a responsible adult present to escort you out of the facility. You will not be allowed to take a ride-share or taxi home alone.

After appointment:

• You can eat a light dinner that evening.
• You may go back to work with no activity limitations the next day.

After the procedure, your physician will speak to you and your family member in the recovery area once you are awake. Please note, some people do not remember conversations immediately after having anesthesia. The sleep specialists will analyze and interpret the data recorded during your study. You will be scheduled for a follow-up visit in person or virtually with your doctor to discuss all recommendations, including a detailed discussion of any recommended surgeries.