Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE)

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) is a modern diagnostic procedure that allows the evaluation of the upper airways under conditions closely resembling natural sleep.

During the procedure, the patient is placed under controlled sedation, and a flexible endoscope is used to examine the airways. This enables precise identification of the level and nature of airway obstruction, which cannot be fully assessed while awake. The method is widely used in the diagnosis of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Indications

• Snoring of varying severity
• Suspected obstructive sleep apnea
• Ineffectiveness of previous snoring or apnea treatments
• Planning optimal treatment, whether conservative or surgical
• Preoperative assessment for ENT surgeries

Procedure / Duration

• Performed under specialist supervision
• Sedative medication is administered to induce a sleep-like state
• A thin flexible endoscope is inserted through the nose to visualize the airways
• The physician evaluates breathing dynamics, degree of narrowing, and obstruction level
• The procedure is usually recorded for further analysis
• Duration typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes

Contraindications

• Severe decompensated somatic conditions
• High anesthetic risk
• Acute infectious diseases
• Allergy to sedative medications
• Pregnancy (based on physician’s decision)

Recovery / Restrictions

• The patient is monitored until full recovery from sedation
• Avoid driving or making important decisions on the day of the procedure
• Mild drowsiness or slight nasal/throat discomfort may occur
• Return to normal activities is generally within 24 hours

Benefits

• Assessment under conditions close to natural sleep
• Accurate identification of the cause and level of airway obstruction
• Individualized treatment planning
• Increased effectiveness of subsequent therapies
• Painless and minimally uncomfortable procedure

Sources:

https://sleepeducation.org/essentials-in-sleep/drug-induced-sleep-endoscopy-dise/
https://www.entuk.org/content/drug-induced-sleep-endoscopy/default.aspx