Abstract:

Objective   To investigate the effectiveness of one-stage surgical approach on OSAHS (obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome) with triple plane obstructions. Methods   Thirty-five OSAHS patients (male 32, female 3; age range 39±7 ys; BMI 27.5±2.3kg/m2; moderate 9, severe 26) with stenosis in nasal cavity, oropharynx and lingual root were treated in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between Sept. 2006 and Jan. 2010. They underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), combined with radiofrequency ablation of inferior nasal concha and lingual root. Nasopharyngeal tube was planted postoperatively for 24 to 48 hs. Results   Among the 35 patients, 8 (22.9%) patients presented discomfortableness. Nasal  backflow appeared five days after the surgery in one (2.9%) patient, but recovered after the tissue edema eliminated by oropharyngeal atomization treatment. One (2.9%) patient suffered from hypogeusia and six (17.1%) presented slight pharyngeal dryness, foreign body sensation, or sore throat. No blurred speaking or difficult swallowing occurred.  No death or other serious complications appeared. Postoperative review showed the cure were achieved in 5 cases, excellent effect in 13, effect in 8, and no effect in 9. The total effective rate was 74.3% (26/35). Effective rate of short-term and longgerm followup were 81.3% and 68.4%, respectively. Conclusion   Radiofrequency ablation combined with UPPP is safe and effective in treating OSAHS with triple plane obstructions.

Key words: Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome； Surgery； Radiofrequency ablation； Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty