Complications of palatoplasty for snoring or sleep apnoea

A questionnaire was sent to consultant Otolaryngologists (483) throughout the UK to identify any mortality associated with uvulopalatoplasty and other forms of palatoplasties for snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnoea. The response rate was 76.8 per cent (371). Six intra- and post-operative deaths were reported and four were known to have obstructive sleep apnoea. Life-threatening morbidity occurred in at least seven patients (three known apnoeic), two required immediate tracheostomy and two were managed in the intensive care unit. This suggests that the apnoeic patients undergoing palatoplasties experienced significant mortality and morbidity. Pre-operative sleep study should be performed in all snoring patients to identify the apnoeic subgroup. Continuous positive airway pressure, management of excessive obesity, elective tracheostomy and other strategies should be first considered before palatoplasties in these patients.