Conclusions: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) who had failed treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and mandibular retaining device (MRD) was effective and safe. The satisfaction rate was high. We recommend UPPP in selected OSAS patients, especially younger patients.
Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and complication rate of UPPP.
Patients and methods: This was a non-randomized prospective study of 139 men and 19 women, median age 45 years (range 20-75), median body mass index (BMI) 29 (range 20-48), who underwent UPPP. One year follow-up comprised ambulant sleep apnoea recordings and questionnaires with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).
Results: In all, 76% of the patients underwent sleep recordings preoperatively and postoperatively. The oxygen desaturation index (ODI(4)) decreased from median 23 (range 6-100) to 8 (range 0-60), p<0.001. Criteria of success (>50% reduction and ODI<20), was 64%. The ESS value decreased from median 12 (range 0-21) to 6 (0-22), p<0.001. In all, 88% of the patients were satisfied. Four of 158 patients (2.5%) had serious postoperative complications. There was neither sequel of complications nor mortality.