颏舌肌前移舌骨悬吊联合悬雍垂腭咽成形术的初步应用

目的 探讨不使用环钻行颏舌肌前移舌骨悬吊术联合悬雍垂腭咽成形术(UPPP)治疗重度阻寒性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)的可行性及疗效.方法 2006年6月至2008年1月26例伴舌根肥厚、舌后间隙狭窄的中重度OSAHS患者接受本研究.按呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)分为中度(12例)和重度(14例)2组;根据Friedman分型,Ⅱ型18例,Ⅲ型8例.电子鼻咽喉镜检查及Muller试验检杳腭咽及舌咽狭窄.先行UPPP,同时一期采用线锯、胸科电锯、耳科电钻等非环钻技术行颏舌肌前移及舌骨悬吊术.结果 手术时间120～180 min,颏舌肌前移手术出血50～100 ml.术中和术后未出现严重并发症.术后1年随访,14例重度OSAHS患者AHI由术前的(42.9±6.6)次/h(x±s,下同)下降至(16.2±5.7)次/h,其中11例患者AHI下降大于等于50%,有效率71.4%.12例中度OSAHS患者AHI由术前的(21.3±4.4)次/h下降至(11.3±5.2)次/h,其中10例患者AHI下降大于等于50%,有效率83.3%.中、重度OSAHS患者术后AHI较术前均明显下降,而中度的有效率明显优于重度患者,差异均有统计学意义(P值均<0.01).结论 不使用环钻也可行颏舌肌前移舌骨悬吊术,联合UPPP治疗伴舌根肥厚、舌后间隙狭窄的中、重度OSAHS,手术创伤小,操作容易,不需要特殊器械,治疗效果好.     

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征患者手术麻醉中困难气道发生的因素预测

目的 探讨阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)患者手术麻醉过程中发生困难气道的可预测因素形成原因,以降低该类患者围手术期急性呼吸道梗阻的风险。 方法 选择根据夜间多导睡眠监测(PSG)诊断为OSAHS、拟行悬雍垂腭咽成形术(UPPP)、符合病例纳入标准的患者128例,采用快诱导经口插管全身麻醉,记录患者发生困难通气和困难气管插管的情况,对相关临床资料进行统计学处理分析。 结果 128例中发生困难面罩通气83例(64.8%),困难插管66例(51.6%)。体质量指数(BMI)、呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)、颈围(NC)、腰围(WC)、颈围/身高(NC/H)、腰围/身高(WC/H)、Mallampati气道分级及Cormack-Lehane喉头分级(C-L分级)与困难通气存在相关性;logistic回归分析显示,BMI、NC、Mallampati分级、C-L分级是困难通气的危险因素。BMI、AHI、WC、 WC/H、最低血氧饱和度(LSO₂)、上下切牙间距离(ICD)、Mallampati气道分级及C-L分级与困难气管插管存在相关性;AHI、C-L分级是困难气管插管的危险因素,ICD是困难插管的保护性因素。 结论 OSAHS患者困难气道发生率较高;颈围、BMI、Mallampati分级、C-L分级是预测困难通气的重要因素;AHI、ICD、C-L分级对困难插管的发生有预测价值。     

重症阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征患者死亡原因分析

目的 探讨阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)检查治疗时发生患者死亡的原因及防治对策.方法 对6家医院在检查治疗中死亡的6例OSAHS患者的病例资料进行回顾性分析.结果 6例患者中肥胖4例次;合并高血压2次,心脏病2例次,肺功能异常或影像有改变2例次,糖尿病1例次;2例无合并症病史.患者中3例未行多道睡眠图(PSG)监测,1例在PSG监测时发生意外死亡,2例呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)分别为56次/h和82次/h.死亡原因分别为:手术开始前诱导麻醉后行气管插管困难,致呼吸道梗阻死亡2例;悬雍垂腭咽成形术(UPPP)后出血,待行全麻止血手术,使用肌松剂后气管插管困难,因缺氧时间过长造成脑水肿,长期昏迷死亡1例;1例术前肺功能检查发现气道阻力过高,全麻UPPP术后患者清醒状态下拔除气管插管时心跳呼吸骤停死亡;1例术前查体发现心肺等器官存在潜在性病变,全麻气管插管后气管切开行UPPP术后,患者清醒状态下更换气管套管时心跳停止,抢救无效死亡;1例患有高血压、冠心病、糖尿病、肥胖病,心电图示心功能三级,呈呼吸性酸中毒状态患者,行PSG监测时反复呼吸暂停,最后诱发心跳骤停,抢救无效死亡.结论 应高度警惕OSAHS患者致死性严重并发症的可能.强调OSAHS患者外科治疗的适应证选择.对重症患者应在改善其心肺功能及全身情况后再手术.严格细致地做好围术期每一环节的预案和准备工作,防止严重并发症的发生.     

OSAHS患者改良腭咽成形术后1年AHI和LSaO2及ET-1的研究

目的:探讨阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)患者行改良腭咽成形术(H-UPPP)的治疗效果。方法:OSAHS患者79例,49例行H-UPPP治疗,30例行UPPP治疗,比较两种治疗方法术前和术后1年患者症状及AHI、LSaO2和血浆内皮素-1(ET-1)的变化。AHI、LSaO2由PSG监测,ET-1用ELISA检测。结果:术后1年随访,H-UPPP组有41例睡眠打鼾、憋气等症状有改善,总有效率为83.7%;UPPP组有26例睡眠打鼾、憋气等症状有改善,总有效率为86.7%。H-UPPP组和UPPP组术前与术后1年的AHI、LSaO2和ET-1差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。两组手术前后AHI与LSaO2、LSaO2与ET-1均呈负相关性。结论:H-UP-PP与UPPP均为治疗阻塞层面位于腭咽部的OSAHS患者的有效手段,H-UPPP治疗并发症更少。     

Friedman Ⅰ型阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征患者单纯扁桃体切除术的应用价值

目的 探讨单纯扁桃体切除术对于成人Friedman Ⅰ型阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)患者治疗的可行性.方法 2004年1月至2010年3月,对56例不接受悬雍垂腭咽成形术(UPPP)手术的Friedman Ⅰ型OSAHS患者(轻度20例,中度24例,重度12例)单纯行扁桃体切除术;同期接受UPPP手术的Friedman Ⅰ型OSAHS患者68例作为对照组(轻度26例,中度28例,重度14例).结果 两组患者术前年龄、体质量指数(BMI)、呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)、最低血氧饱和度、平均血氧饱和度等各因素具有可比性.经秩和检验,两组手术时间(U=0.000,P＜0.01)、住院日数(U =458.5,P＜0.01)、术后疼痛视觉模拟量表评分(U =0.000,P＜0.01),差异均有统计学意义.术后1年或1年以上随访,两组的BMI、AHI、最低血氧饱和度、平均血氧饱和度等各项参数经t检验证实差异无统计学意义(P值均＞ 0.05);两组治疗有效率分别为82.1％( 46/56)和73.5％( 50/68),连续校正卡方检验差异无统计学意义(x2=0.857,P＞0.05);其中重度Friedman Ⅰ型OSAHS患者,扁桃体组手术有效率8/12,UPPP组手术有效率11/14,Fisher精确概率检验差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 对于以扁桃体肥大为主要结构负荷的Friedman Ⅰ型OSAHS患者,单纯扁桃体切除术安全、有效,可作为此类患者的首选术式.     

OSAHS多层面手术疗效评价

目的：探讨OSAHS患者多平面手术治疗的效果。方法：115例OSAHS患者行UPPP,其中加鼻中隔偏曲矫正术18例,加鼻中隔偏曲矫正术、下鼻甲部分切除术26例,加颏舌肌前徙术和舌体部分切除术1例,加舌体部分切除术5例。其中伴鼻部疾病和（或）舌体肥大、AHI〉40和（或）BMI〉30的患者术前行气管切开后插管全身麻醉。结果：术后长期随访,治愈43例（AHI〈5）,有效46例（AHI降低≥50%）,无效26例;有效率为77.4%。结论：通过多平面手术治疗OSAHS,可提高有效率;对于重度患者采用术前气管切开后插管全身麻醉,能有效预防术后严重并发症的发生。     

UPPP治疗阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征的远期疗效

目的探讨悬雍垂腭咽成形术(uvulopalalophany ngoplasty,UPPP)治疗阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(obstructive sleep apnea-hypo pnea syndrome,OSAHS)的远期疗效.方法38例经多导睡眠图(polysomno graphy,PSG)确诊为OSAHS,根据呼吸紊乱指数(apnea and hypopea index,AHI)和睡眠中的最低血氧饱和度(SaO2)将患者分为轻中度组和重度组,患者均用UPPP治疗,术后随访 1年以上,并于术后1年再行PSG监测,计算术后1年AHI和最低SaO2的缓解率,按照缓解率判定手术疗效.结果1.患者术后1年的AHI明显低于术前(P<0.001) ,最低SaO2明显高于术前(P<0.001);2.轻中度组AHI及最低SaO2的术后缓解率明显高于重度组(P<0.01);3.轻中度组术后的治愈率、显效率明显高于重度组,无效率明显低于重度组(P<0.01).结论1.UPPP是临床治疗OSAHS的有效手段;2.UPPP主要适用于轻度和中度的OSAHS患者,对重度OSAHS患者疗效欠佳.     

舌后部中线切除联合悬雍垂腭咽成形术的远期疗效观察

目的 观察舌后部中线切除术联合悬雍垂腭咽成形术(UPPP)治疗阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)的远期疗效.方法 回顾性分析24例2003年1月至2004年3月实施上述手术且有连续5年多道睡眠图(PSG)监测随访资料的重度OSAHS患者.患者术前夜间最低动脉血氧饱和度(SaO2)中位数(下同)0.650,AHI中位数56.5次/h,均于全麻下接受手术,围手术期均未行气管切开.疗效判定标准:AHI<5次/h为治愈,AHI<20次/h且降低幅度≥50%为显效,AHI降低幅度≥50%为有效.结果 24例患者术后0.5、1、2和5年AHI以及最低SaO2的中位数与术前相比.差异均有统计学意义(Wilcoxon秩和检验,下同,P值均<0.01);术后1、2与5年AHI和最低SaO2的中位数与术后半年相比差异也均有统计学意义(P值均<0.01).24例患者中术后半年治愈21例,显效3例,治愈率87.5%;术后1年,治愈18例,显效3例,有效3例,治愈率75.0%;术后2年,治愈14例,显效4例,有效6例,治愈率58.3%;术后5年治愈6例,显效12例,有效4例,无效2例,治愈率25%,有效率91.7%.术前5例合并高血压患者,4例术后停止应用降压药,1例由三种降压药联合应用减为单种药物,血压控制平稳.结论 舌后部中线切除联合UPPP手术可有效治疗腭后区及舌后区狭窄为主的重度OSAHS,虽有不同程度的复发现象,远期疗效还比较好.     

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征与促红细胞生成素相关性研究

目的:探讨阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)患者血清促红细胞生成素(EPO)水平及与UPPP的疗效的相关性.方法:59例OSAHS患者行UPPP,测量咽腔术前术后改变;测定OSAHS患者术前、术后及38例对照组的血清EPO水平;观察各测量值的变化.结果:OSAHS患者手术前后颈围、AHI、SaO2、BMI、腭舌弓间距、悬雍垂与咽后壁间距、软腭长度、悬雍垂长度、口咽部最小截面积比较均差异有统计学意义(均P＜0.01);术前上述测值与对照组比较均差异有统计学意义(均P＜0.01),术后颈围、BMI、口咽部最小截面积与对照组比较均差异有统计学意义(均P＜0.05),而腭舌弓间距、悬雍垂与咽后壁间距、软腭长度、悬雍垂长度与对照组比较均差异无统计学意义(均P＞0.05).OSAHS患者EPO水平手术前后比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);后与对照组比较EPO水平差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论:OSAHS患者血清EPO水平较对照组偏高,并与睡眠呼吸暂停的程度有关.UPPP是有效的OSAHS治疗手段,治疗有效者血清EPO水平降低.     

重度OSAHS并高血压患者行悬雍垂腭咽成形术前后血压变化分析

目的观察重度阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)并高血压患者行悬雍垂腭咽成形术(UPPP)治疗前后血压变化。方法选择重度OSAHS同时合并高血压的患者32例,均有口服降压药3年以上而血压仍控制不佳病史。治疗采用改良UPPP手术,分别于手术前及手术后6个月时行多导睡眠图(PSG)监测和24 h动态血压监测,进行数据对比。结果 1改良UPPP手术6个月后睡眠呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)、呼吸暂停指数(AI)、微觉醒指数(MAI)中位数均明显降低(P0.05);平均血氧饱和度(SaO2)和最低血氧饱和度(LSaO2)则明显升高(P0.05);2UPPP术后6个月24 h动态血压监测发现,24 h平均收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP),日间、夜间的平均SBP、DBP均明显降低,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论行UPPP对于重度OSAHS合并高血压患者的血压控制,效果显著。     

Predictive factors of immediate postoperative complications after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: This study was performed to assess the relationships between polysomnographic data, including the level of obstruction inducing apnea, and immediate postoperative complications or oxygen saturation in patients who had undergone uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: Using the data of 90 patients with a polysomnography-confirmed diagnosis of OSAS who had undergone UPPP surgery with/without tonsillectomy under general anesthesia, we determined apnea-hypopnea indices (AHI), preoperative lowest arterial saturation (LSAT-PREOP) levels, percentages of obstruction at the upper level of the uvula during apnea (AL-U), need for an airway in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) or during the first postoperative night in a ward (POPN1), LSAT- PACU, LSAT-POPN1, and the incidence of postoperative bleeding or other complications. RESULTS: Postoperative complications developed in 19 (21.1%) of the 90 patients, airway-related complications in 5 (5.6%), oxygen desaturation in 8 (8.9%), excessive or recurrent bleeding in 7 (7.8%), and a postoperative electrocardiogram change in 1(1.1%). Patients with postoperative complications had higher AHI (68.1 vs. 49.3, P = .008), lower LSAT-PREOP (71.1 vs. 77.8, P = .012), and lower AL-U (24.2 vs. 57.4, P = .005) than those without. After UPPP surgery, LSAT-POPN1 improved more than LSAT-PREOP (94.4 vs. 76.2%, P = .03), and LSAT-POPN1 correlated with LSAT-PREOP (r = 0.274, P = .014) and AL-U (r = 0.286, P = .046). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that immediate postoperative complications and oxygen saturation are associated with OSAS severity and the level of obstruction, inducing apnea in those who have undergone UPPP for OSAS.     

Increase of the apnoea-hypopnoea index after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: analysis of failure

From 70 patients who had uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) operation and a pre- and postoperative sleep registration, we could retrospectively determine the failures and the correlation between variables such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), earlier or concomitant tonsillectomy, unilevel (uvula-palate-tonsil) or multilevel (base of tongue as well) obstruction during sleep endoscopy and treatment outcome. From 70 patients, the preoperative sleep registration classified 15 social unacceptable snorers and 55 obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) patients. In this study we focused on the OSAS patients. From the 55 OSAS patients, 32 were classified as successful after UPPP, because they had a decreased apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) after surgery ( 0.56) as between the level of obstruction(s) (P > 0.24). For earlier or concomitant tonsillectomy we found a statistically difference (P > 0.039), but a very small number in the high failure group (n = 8). We conclude that although sleep endoscopy adds to better patient selection and better results, paradoxically, the finding of obstruction on palate-uvula level during sleep endoscopy can still give UPPP failures.     

Increase of the apnoea–hypopnoea index after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: analysis of failure1

From 70 patients who had uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) operation and a pre‐ and postoperative sleep registration, we could retrospectively determine the failures and the correlation between variables such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), earlier or concomitant tonsillectomy, unilevel (uvula–palate–tonsil) or multilevel (base of tongue as well) obstruction during sleep endoscopy and treatment outcome. From 70 patients, the preoperative sleep registration classified 15 social unacceptable snorers and 55 obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) patients. In this study we focused on the OSAS patients. From the 55 OSAS patients, 32 were classified as successful after UPPP, because they had a decreased apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) after surgery (≤20). Eight patients had a decreased AHI, but more than 20 apnoeas/hypnoeas per hour. Fifteen patients were identified as UPPP failures with an equal or increased AHI and/or subjective deterioration of snoring. We were unable to find a statistically difference between the two groups with respect to variables such as age, BMI and AHI preoperative (P > 0.56) as between the level of obstruction(s) (P > 0.24). For earlier or concomitant tonsillectomy we found a statistically difference (P > 0.039), but a very small number in the high failure group (n = 8). We conclude that although sleep endoscopy adds to better patient selection and better results, paradoxically, the finding of obstruction on palate–uvula level during sleep endoscopy can still give UPPP failures.     

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征患者手术前后口咽腔测量分析

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the extent of enlarged oropharynx and efficiency through measuring the anterior-posterior and transverse diameter of oropharynx of patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) before and after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). METHODS: Thirty eight patients with OSAHS were studied. The following indexes were measured before and after UPPP: width of uvula base, length of uvula, distance between uvula and posterior pharyngeal wall (DBUP), distance between anterior pillar (DBPP), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), body mass index (BMI) and SaO2. RESULTS: The preoperative DBAP and DBPP were significantly less than those of normal adults (P < 0.05). DBUP, length of uvula and width of uvula base has no significant difference between preoperative patients and normal adults (P > 0.05). There was no significance difference in DBAP. DBPP and DBUP between postoperative patients and normal adults (P > 0.05). The preoperative AHI, IBM, minimal SaO2, mean SaO2, DBUP, DBPP, DBAP, length of uvula and width of uvula base has no significant difference between good responders and nonresponders (P > 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Transverse diameter of OSAHS patients is shorter than that of normal adults but anterior-posterior diameter of OSAHS patients has no difference compared with normal adults. Transverse diameter could be enlarged by UPPP. Not only anatomical abnormality but also other factors will contribute to the effect of UPPP.     

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征围手术期关键环节和安全措施的研究

目的 探讨阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)外科治疗围手术期的安全策略.方法 回顾性分析1999年1月至2009年12月以悬雍垂腭咽成形术(UPPP)为主的1446例OSAHS外科治疗病例围手术期并发症的资料.将2004年以后围手术期采取规范化管理措施后的1004例手术患者的并发症情况与2003年以前的442例的并发症资料进行对比分析.结果 1446例中全麻手术发生插管困难者49例(3.39%),其中5例被迫停止手术;术中出现轻度心律失常8例(0.55%);手术完成后拔管出现险情者13例(0.90%);术后原发性出血19例(1.31%),其中11例再次全麻手术止血(1例术后气管切开);术后监护期间出现轻度心律失常11例(0.76%),其中1例出现心力衰竭;术后难以控制的高血压21例(1.45%);术后1周左右继发性出血32例(2.21%),4例因出血较多再次手术止血.所有患者的并发症均治愈,无死亡和留有严重后遗症.2004年后进行围手术期规范化管理措施后,各种并发症比2003年以前明显减少,卡方检验差异有统计学意义(P值均<0.05).结论 OSAHS外科治疗围手术期并发症防治存在5个关键环节:术前把关、麻醉插管、手术操作、术后拔管和术后监护,关键环节采取相应措施并形成规范化是保证OSAHS手术安全的关键.     

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征患者手术前后口咽腔测量分析

目的　探讨阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征 (obstructivesleepapnea hypopneasyndrome ,OSAHS)患者口咽腔扩大的程度与疗效的关系。方法　对 38例OSAHS行悬雍垂腭咽成形术 (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty ,UPPP)的病例进行手术前后口咽腔测量 :悬雍垂基底宽、悬雍垂长、悬雍垂至咽后壁间距、腭舌弓间距和腭咽弓间距。并观察呼吸暂停低通气指数 (apnea hypopneaindex ,AHI)、体块指数 (bodymassindex ,BMI)、血氧饱和度 (oxygensaturation ,SaO2 )的变化。结果　OSAHS患者手术前的腭舌弓间距和腭咽弓间距比对照组窄 (P <0 0 5 ) ,而至咽后壁的距离 ,悬雍垂长、宽两组数据间差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5 )。手术后腭舌弓间距、腭咽弓间距、至咽后壁的距离与对照组比较差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5 )。有效组和无效组比较 ,手术前呼吸暂停低通气指数、体块指数、最低SaO2 、平均SaO2 、悬雍垂至咽后壁间距、腭舌弓间距和腭咽弓间距、悬雍垂长、宽在统计学上差异无显著性(P >0 1)。结论　OSAHS患者的口咽部左右径小于健康人 ,而前后径与健康人相近。UPPP手术可以显著扩大咽腔口咽部左右径 ,达到健康人水平。UPPP手术疗效不仅仅与解剖结构异常有关 ,还存在其他影响因素     

Overnight hospital stay is not always necessary after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether patients with obstructive sleep apnea who undergo uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) have a significant incidence of postoperative complications that would justify overnight postoperative observation in the hospital. STUDY DESIGN: Part 1: review of published medical literature to determine incidence of postoperative complications. Part 2: retrospective review of 117 patients undergoing UPPP with or without additional procedures. METHODS: A literature search for existing studies describing the postoperative complications after UPPP for obstructive sleep apnea was conducted. After this, the records of 117 patients who had undergone UPPP at a university-based medical center during a 5-year span were reviewed. RESULTS: Respiratory events occur in 2% to 11% of cases. These include airway obstruction (e.g., laryngospasm), postobstructive pulmonary edema (POPE), and desaturation. Airway obstruction occurred in the immediate postoperative setting. POPE was rare and usually occurred within minutes after the conclusion of the surgical procedure. Desaturation could occur at any time, but the severity was usually equivalent to that found on preoperative sleep study. Hemorrhage occurred in 2% to 14% of cases and had a biphasic incidence, occurring either immediately postoperatively or several days after surgery. Depending on definition, hypertension was observed in between 2% and 70% of patients postoperatively. This was most commonly diagnosed and treated in the immediate postoperative setting. In most reports, arrhythmia and angina occurred in less than 1% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of complications after UPPP with or without additional procedures occur within 1 to 2 hours after surgery. Postoperative oxygen desaturation is usually no worse than that that was observed on preoperative polysomnography findings. A 2 to 3 hour observation period may be suitable for patients after UPPP; if a patient experiences no complications and is maintaining adequate oxygenation and analgesia, same-day discharge from recovery room may be considered.     

Radiofrequency tissue volume reduction of the soft palate and UPPP in the treatment of snoring

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of radiofrequency tissue volume reduction (RFTVR) and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in the treatment of snoring in a prospective clinical trial of 79 patients consecutively undergoing surgery for snoring. Seventy-nine patients with primary snoring or mild OSAS (obstructive sleep apnea syndrome) were enrolled in this clinical trial (66 males and 13 females). According to the anatomical findings (the size of the tonsils and uvula), the patients underwent UPPP/TE of the RFTVR of the soft palate. Forty-seven patients had UPPP/TE (age 45.81±12.11 years; median AHI: 8; range 1–29). Thirty-two patients were treated with RFTVR of the soft palate (age 48.10±10.92; median AHI: 5.0; range 0–26). The average number of treatments was 2.2. All patients underwent preoperative polysomnography to exclude severe OSAS. Pre- and postoperative snoring scores were evaluated from the patients with bed partners. Postoperative follow-up data were collected at a median of 4 months after treatment; 85.1% of the UPPP group and 53.1% of the RFTVR group underwent postoperative polysomnography. Subjective snoring scores of all study participants were evaluated. Preoperatively, there was no statistically significant difference of subjective symptoms, age and BMI between the two groups. The snoring scores improved statistically significantly in both groups ( P <0.001 in the UPPP group; P =0.001 in the RFTVR group). After UPPP/TE snoring improved in 37 patients (78.7%), and 29 (61.7%) thereof were free of bothersome snoring; no change was found in 9 patients (19.2%), and 1 (2.1%) worsened. In the RFTVR group, snoring improved in 15 (46.9%), and 9 (28.1%) thereof were free of bothersome snoring; no change was found in 13 patients (50%), and 1 worsened (3.1%). Preoperative AHI was statistically higher ( P =0.016) and mean minimal oxygen saturation significantly lower ( P =0.002) in the UPPP group. In the UPPP group AHI and HI showed statistically significant improvement postoperatively ( P =0.025 and P =0.034, respectively). After RFTVR, no statistically significant change of AHI, HI or oxygen saturation was found. Besides limited mucosal erosions (15%) after RFTVR and foreign body sensations (<10%) after UPPP/TE, no side effects were observed. The success rate of RFTVR of the soft palate is lower compared to the more invasive technique of UPPP. Due to its minimally invasive character, RFTVR is suitable as first-step treatment for snoring, but patients should be counseled about possible success rates and different treatment options.     

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea: a community's experience.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) has become an accepted method for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), with a reported success rate as high as 77%, depending upon inclusionary and outcome criteria. The authors reviewed the records of 90 patients with moderately severe OSA (apnea plus hypopnea index [AHI] greater than 20) who underwent UPPP at either a private community or an academic hospital. Forty percent of patients experienced more than a 50% reduction in their AHI with UPPP. Only 22 (24%) of the patients had a postoperative AHI less than 50% of the preoperative AHI and less than 20, i.e., met the authors' criteria for surgical success. The success rate for community otolaryngologists was no different than that achieved in the academic institution. When data from previously published reports were analyzed using these criteria for success, similar results were observed. This study suggests that the effectiveness of UPPP performed by the general otolaryngologic community is equivalent to that reported in the literature. However, more rigorous criteria must be applied to UPPP when evaluating its results and in counseling potential candidates for this procedure.     

Palatal stiffening after failed uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with the Pillar Implant System

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study was to measure subjective and objective improvement after palatal stiffening in patients after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) who were experiencing persistence or recurrence of snoring with or without daytime sleepiness symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: The authors conducted a prospective, nonrandomized study of 26 patients after UPPP who underwent the Pillar Implant Technique (PIT) as a revision procedure. METHODS: Patients were selected to undergo revision PIT if they presented with recurrence or persistence of snoring after UPPP. Patients had mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] >5 and < or =40), persistent retropalatal obstruction, and a residual palate > or =2 cm. Some patients experienced daytime somnolence as well. Patients with severe OSAHS (AHI > or =40), Friedman anatomic stage IV, and/or nasopharyngeal stenosis were excluded. Pre-/postoperative snoring levels, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), SF-36v2 Quality of Life (QOL) questionnaires, and polysomnograms were obtained. RESULTS: We completed data on 23 patients. Postoperative snoring levels (3.4 +/- 1.8) and ESS (8.7 +/- 1.8) significantly improved (P < .0001) compared with preoperative values (8.7 +/- 1.8 and 13.2 +/- 2.9). A total of 73.9% of patients improved subjectively. Seven of eight SF-36v2 QOL domains showed significant improvement (P < .05). Postoperative AHI and minimum oxygen saturation also improved significantly (P < .05). Objective cure was only achieved in 21.7% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Revision PIT is effective in achieving subjective improvement of recurrent symptoms after UPPP. Objective cure was only obtained in 21.7% of patients. As a result of the safety and low morbidity of the procedure, it is an alternative to improve symptoms, especially snoring, in patients not willing to accept continuous positive airway pressure permanently or patients who refuse revision surgery.