Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with tonsillectomy in the treatment of severe OSAS.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the efficacy of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with tonsillectomy for treating selected patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

METHODOLOGY

Retrospective study of patients who underwent clinical/instrumental evaluation and surgical treatment.

SETTING

University ENT division with a tertiary snoring referral center.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-two patients with normal body mass index affected by severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pre- and post-operative cardiopulmonary monitoring during sleep, daytime sleepiness evaluation, post-treatment complication recording.

RESULTS

Complete response to therapy was obtained in 78% of patients. Four patients had relief of symptoms but retained apnea/hypopnea index scores greater than 5.

CONCLUSIONS

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty associated with tonsillectomy can beemployed safely to treat patients with normal body mass index who suffer from severe obstructive sleep apnea.