Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty Combined with Radiofrequency Thermotherapy of Tongue Base in the Therapy of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-session uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) with radiofrequency thermotherapy of the base of the tongue for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). 59 patients with multilevel obstruction underwent single-session surgery. Snoring, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and sleep study were used to assess outcome before and 3-6 months after treatment.
Snoring level decreased from 8.2 to 6.1 (visual analog scale 0-10). The mean ESS score decreased from 10.5 to 7.4.
The mean apnea-hypopnea index decreased significantly from 28.9 to 14.2. The overall success rate of the single-session UPPP with radiofrequency thermotherapy of the base of the tongue was 45.5%.
There were several adverse effects, four ulcerations of the base of the tongue with spontaneous healing, two revision surgery interventions for bleeding after tonsillectomy included in UPPP and one transient taste change. Single-session UPPP with radiofrequency thermotherapy of the base of the tongue is an effective and safe treatment for OSAS patients with multilevel obstruction.