Many Australians suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea, which occurs when the muscles in the throat intermittently relax while sleeping and block the airway.

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