Value of preservation of uvula in uvulopalatopharyngoplasty]

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of the modified Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) where uvula is preserved in the operation, and whether the postoperative complications are diminished. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients with the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (29 men, 1 woman) were analyzed by questionnaire, polysomnography and oral cavity measurement before and 6 months after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty to assess the surgical outcome and value of preservation of uvula in the operation. RESULTS: Eighty-seven percent of patients reported improvement of snoring and daytime sleepiness. Fifty-three percent of patients showed a decrease of at least 50% in the apnea and hypopnea indices. Among the mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea (AHI < 50), 73.3% of them showed a decrease of at least 50% in the AHI. No velopalatal insufficiency occurred. The result of oral cavity measurement showed that the uvula, which was preserved completely during the operation, began to contract 2 weeks after the operation. Three to six month after operation, uvula contracted to the normal length and the anatomical shape of the pharyngeal cavity became normal. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the uvula preserving UPPP indicate that this approach not only improves the effect of the UPPP, but also avoids the postoperative complications. The uvula that preserved completely during the operation will contract to the normal length progressively.