Z-palatoplasty and tongue radiofrequency for patients with small tonsils

To explore the feasibility and efficacy of Z-palatoplasty for the management of severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in patients with tonsils.

Case series and chart review.

University hospital.

Z-palatoplasty and coblation channeling of the tongue were performed in 36 patients with body mass index <40 kg/m(2) and size 1 or 2 tonsils. All patients' tonsils were preserved. Follow-up continued for at least 1 year. Success was defined as a postoperative apnea-hypopnea index <15 events per hour and at least 50% less than the preoperative value.

The surgical success rate was 58.3% (21/36 patients). Furthermore, 66.7% (24/36 patients) had a ≥ 50% reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index to less than 20 episodes per hour. There were statistically significant differences in preoperative nadir oxygen saturation, percentage of time with oxygen saturation less than 90%, microarousal index, and Friedman tongue position between those who responded to surgery and those who did not. Six patients had temporary velopharyngeal insufficiency. After 3 months, all the patients had normal deglutition. No major perioperative complications occurred.

Our findings suggest that Z-palatoplasty can improve disease-specific quality of life and sleep apnea symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome and size 1 or 2 tonsils.