Effectiveness of musculus palatopharyngeus resection in uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for snoring.

Sixty-eight patients with annoying snoring were included in a prospective randomized control study. Thirty-two (group 1) were subjected to classical uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) technique; 36 (group 2) underwent a modified "extended UPPP technique" comprising the bilateral resection of the palatopharyngeal muscles. All patients were free of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) as documented by an overnight polysomnography. The two groups were homogeneous for age, preoperative and postoperative body mass index, and duration of follow-up. We recorded the subjective preoperative and postoperative symptoms as evaluated by the patient and the bed partner, and the immediate postoperative complaints. The only statistically significant difference between the two groups was pain. Thus, in this series, the "extended UPPP technique" showed no better results in the surgical approach to snoring, and its morbidity rate is higher.