Effect of Intraoperative Mitomycin-C in Snoring Patients Treated with Laser-UPPP

Choi, Yoon Seok; Jang, Tae Young; Kim, Tae Youn

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mitomycin-C is an antibiotic, antineoplastic agent that inhibits DNA and protein synthesis, and fibroblast proliferation. It has been successfully used in adjunction to glaucoma surgery, dacryocystorhinostomy, pterygium surgery, and middle meatal antrostomy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the symptomatic improvement and the state of soft palate stenosis after intraoperative application of topical Mitomycin-C in surgical treatment of snoring.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
Forty-two patients (38 men, 4 women) undergoing laser-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (Laser-UPPP) for snoring were included. The patients were operated on at the Inha University Hospital between May of 2003 and Oct. of 2004. The patients were divided into two groups in accordance with intraoperative application of topical Mitomycin-C in surgical treatment of snoring. The degree of snoring and apnea related symptoms and complication were evaluated using questionnaries preoperatively and postoperatively. We also evaluated and compared the degree of stenosis of soft palate postoperatively of each group.
RESULTS
After Laser-UPPP, significant differences were seen in the pre & postoperative symptom score (snoring, apnea, daytime sleepiness) of each group, but no significant differences were observed between groups. There was a significant improvement in the degree of stenosis of soft palate in the group with intraoperative application of topical Mitomycin-C. Significant differences were seen in the postoperative complication score (nasal regurgitation, foreign body sensation) in the experimental group.
CONCLUSION
Intraoperative topical application of Mitomycin-C can be used as a beneficial adjunct therapy in the surgical treatment of snoring.