[Hyoid suspension with repose system combined with UPPP in severe OSAHS patients: short-term results]

To explore the effect of a comprehensive surgical approach of hyoid suspension with Repose system plus uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) on the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

Twelve patients with severe OSAHS (AHI > 40) diagnosed by polysomnography, were determined for the obstruction in both the velo-pharyngeal and the hypopharynx by preoperative physical examination, fiberoptic pharyngo-laryngoscopy. Two cases were given continuous airway pressure via nose, seven days before operation and then were performed hyoid suspension plus UPPP. The follow up was 3 months postoperatively. The pair T test was used to compare the preoperative and postoperative results by SPSS11.0 for windows.

At postoperative 3 month, there were statistically significance between preoperative and postoperative measurement in all. Mean AHI decreased from preoperative 69.28 +/- 6.50 to postoperative 19.77 +/- 9.23, lowest mean oxygen saturation increased from 65.25 -/+ 3.14 to 90.17 +/- 2.86. Snoring and sleep apnea disappeared or lessened, with the disappearance or decrease of lethargy at daytime. No severe complication occurred.

Comprehensive surgical approach of hyoid suspension with Repose system plus UPPP is effective surgical approach for patients with severe OSAHS who suffered from oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal obstruction in short- term result.