Zohar Y, Finkelstein Y, Talmi Y P, Bar-Ilan Y
Department of ENT-Head and Neck Surgery, Golda Medical Center, Hasharon Hospital, Petach-Tiqwa, Israel.
Laryngoscope. 1991 Jul;101(7 Pt 1):775-9. doi: 10.1288/00005537-199107000-00015.
A study of 71 patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was performed to evaluate the effectiveness, complications, and late sequelae of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Postoperative immediate complications were of minor importance. In 96% of the patients, the snoring was improved; it was completely resolved in 48%. The postoperative apnea index remained pathologic in all patients who underwent postoperative polysomnography, although mild improvement was noted. Seventy-four percent of our patients felt a subjective postoperative improvement which was not always confirmed by the polysomnographic examination. A record of improvement was obtained in 64% of the operated patients. Our results establish the beneficial effect of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which is the recommended surgical procedure for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
