Abstract:

Object      To investigate the methodology and therapeutic effects of hyoid suspension in association with uvolopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in the  treatment of severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome(OSAHS). Method     21 patients with severe OSAHS underwent surgery of modified hyoid suspension in association with UPPP and were followedup. Polysomnograms (PSG)  were  examined pre-operatively and post-operatively in 21 Patients. All patients were the assessed  with Epworth Sleepiness Scale（ESS） and Berlin Sleep Quality Assessment Questionnaire(BSQAQ) before and after the operation. Results     The  results of follow-up showed that there were significant improvements in the indexes of PSG in  all cases (P<0.01). The average of the ESS was 6.71 6 months after operation and 7.24 after one year. Also, the average of the BSQAQ was 5.57 and 6.14 respectively ,with an obvious decrease compared to the preoperative data(P<0.01). After surgery, the patients told about the alleviation or disappearance of snoring and much less occurrence of sleep apnea while lethargy during the day was almost completely gone. According to the assessment guidelines, the effective rate was 100% 6 months after the operation and remained at 95.24% 1 year after the operation. But cure rate and effectual rate varied. Conclusion       Modified hyoid suspension in association with UPPP has advantages of simple procedure, less days of hospitalization and less expense. The effect of the operation is satisfying. Proper cases should be chosen to be treated with such procedure and more hospitals should adopt it.

Key words: Obstructive sleep apnea; Hyoid bone； Uvolopalatopharyngoplasty