Analysis on Outcomes and Predict of Laser Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Cho, Chang Gun; Kim, Jae Ho

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Laser uvulopalatopharyngoplasty(Laser UPPP) is a modified operative procedure of UPPP using laser for the patient of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. It is based on the progressive enlargement of the airspace in the oropharynx, to eliminate or reduce obstruction that occurs during sleep, by successive vaporization of the soft palate, wide posterior tonsil pillars and redundant posterior mucosa and resection of hypertrophied palatal tonsils.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the success rate of the operation and to access the value of predictors of outcome in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Laser UPPP was performed in 23 patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome based on preoperative polysomnography and preoperative and postoperative polysomnography were compared to evaluate the success rate of operation. Each patient underwent preoperative fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy with Mueller maneuver.
RESULTS
73.9% of patients had greater than 50% reduction in apnea index and the improvement of snoring was obtained in 69.5% of patients. No polysomnography parameter could accurately predict the changes in sleep after laser UPPP. There was no significant difference between responder and nonresponder group concerning the body mass index(BMI). But there was a significant difference between two groups in severity of obstruction during Mueller maneuver.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest that laser UPPP may be effective treatment for the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with a high success rate and Mueller maneuver would be beneficial in selecting the candidates for laser UPPP by its high predictive efficacy.