The Outcome of Uvulopalatal Flap in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Patients

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Uvulopalatal flap (UPF), which is a modification of UPPP, is established in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with reduced velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) risk. This study was performed to evaluate the subjective outcome of UPF among patients with simple snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with OSAS were examined (sixteen male, four female) in a prospective manner. Subjects who underwent UPF have completed pre or post operative (after 3 months) polysomnographic (PSG) studies. The parameters of PSG were apnea index (AI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), mean SaO2, and lowest SaO2. Questionnaires composed of Eworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and snoring symptoms inventory (SSI) were completed by patients and bed partner before and after the UPF. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Subjective questionnaires indicated statistically significant improvements (SSI ; from 60.9 to 37, ESS ; from 11.6 to 7.4). The AI decreased from 18.6 to 9.3, RDI decreased from 29.8 to 16.6 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: UPF seems to be more effective in mild OSAS than in moderate and severe OSAS. Long term follow up studies with more patients is deemed necessary.