Clinical observation of modified uvulopalatopharyn goplasty combined with coblation in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea patients / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE On the basis of the different shapes of upper airway(UA)obstruction and collapse characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS), the effect of modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty(UPPP)combined with coblation in OSAHS operations on patients with AHI≥20,which could be done selectively to patients with various or multiple UA obstructive sites, was explored. METHODS 30 patients of OSAHS were diagnosed and analysed by polysomnography(PSG)to have AHIs≥20. Based on the shapes of their UAs classified according to the degree of the shortened lateral and radial vectors,the UPPP was modified in two ways either the lateral vector or the radial vector was amplified, or both could be amplified with coblation. All patients were analyzed by questionnaires(PSG)Muller's maneuver and oral cavity measurement pre-and 6 months post-operation. RESULTS 86.7 % of the patients showed a decrease of at least 25 % in AHI . Velopalatal insufficiency never occurred. CONCLUSION The modified-UPPP combined with coblation can be used selectively on patients based on their UA shapes.