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[Effectiveness of the partial velopalatine++ resection in obstructive apnea syndrome during sleep. Experience with 57
J Pedro-Botet1, A Roca, P Quesada
1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Universitària Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona.
Background:
The aim of this study was to determine the result of partial resection of the soft palate (SPR) as a treatment of the obstructive apnea syndrome during sleep (OASS).
Methods:
Fifty-seven patients diagnosed of OASS treated with SPR were studied. The clinical and polysomnographic results prior to surgery and after 6 months were compared.
Results:
Prior to SPR the 57 patients had a mean index of apnea plus hypopnea per hour of 57 (IAH) and following surgery the same was of 19.2 (p < 0.0001). IAH improved more than 50% in 42 patients (74%), 30 of whom were cured (IAH < or = 10). Daily hypersomnia and snoring disappeared in 58% of the patients and decreased in intensity in most of the remaining cases. The secondary effects observed following SPR were: rhinolalia, nasal fluid reflux, and oropharyngeal disturbances, being present in 32 patients (56%) and permanent, although slight, in only 13 (23%).
Conclusions:
Soft palate resection is a good surgical procedure for therapy of obstructive apnea during sleep, with only slight secondary effects.