For some people, obstructive sleep apnoea is associated with hypertension, heart failure, stroke and depression. Pharyngeal (throat) surgery is a treatment used to treat obstructive sleep apnoea, but the surgery may also damage the swallowing mechanism, causing serious health implications.

Flinders University Associate Professor Taher Omari will use a Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant to conduct investigations in patients undergoing surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea.

By better understanding the potential problems surrounding pharyngeal surgery as a treatment, Professor Omari and his team will help address an issue that has significant implications for individuals and the health system.

This research is made possible thanks to a generous supporter and generous donations from the community.

Project title: The investigation of dysphagia following oropharyngeal surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)

Lead researcher: Associate Professor Taher Omari