| Radiofrequency-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty with Tonsillectomy for the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea |
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Jeong Yoon Ahn, Dae Jun Lim, Sung Ho Kang, Bo Hyeng Kim, Seok Chan Hong, Hyung Jun Lee, Young Hyun Kim, Jeong Seok Choi |
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Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine Konkuk University, Chungju, Korea. lim516@kku.ac.kr |
| 라디오전파를 이용한 구개수구개성형술과 편도적출술을 이용한 수면무호흡증의 치료 |
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안정윤, 임대준, 강성호, 김보형, 홍석찬, 이형준, 김영현, 최정석 |
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건국대학교 의학전문대학원 이비인후과학교실 |
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| Abstract |
Background and Objectives
In radiofrequency surgery, energy is usually delivered to the submucosal tissue of the palate through a special probe in order to reduce the volume and rigidity (palatal channeling). However, the same probe can be used to make cuts in the free edge of the soft palate, as in laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty [radiofrequency-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (RAUP)]. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the role of RAUP with tonsillectomy for the treatment of mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eighty-two patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (5< or =AHI<30, BMI<30) were included in this clinical trial. All patients received RAUP with tonsillectomy. Patients were followed for six months and were asked to respond to a questionnaire regarding standard visual analogue score pattern. Assessment was performed prior to the surgery and was repeated six month postoperatively. Visual analogue scores were measured for the parameters of pain, speech deficits, dysphagia and snoring (according to the partner). The Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) was also utilized. Polysomnography was conducted preoperatively and was repeated six months postoperatively.
Results
There were significant differences in improvement of snoring, ESS and AHI before and after the procedure, and the success rate of the surgical treatment was 62%. Postoperative pain, speech disturbance, dysphagia were decreased two weeks after the operation.
Conclusion
The results of the study suggest that RAUP with tonsillectomy is an effective treatment for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. |
| Key Words:
Obstructive sleep apnea;Radiofrequency;Uvulopalatoplasty;Tonsillectomy |
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