Clinical application of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with resection of the musculus uvulae and preservation of uvulae mucosa

Objective: To explore the effect of modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with partial resection of the musculus uvulae and preservation of the mucosa of uvulae for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

Methods: Thirty-six patients with OSAHS were enrolled and determined by physical examination, Muller's Test, and cephalometry whose obstructive plane were in oropharynx. One group (n = 18) only received uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with uvulae preservation, while the other group (n = 18) received uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with partial resection of the musculus uvulae and preservation of the mucosa of uvulae. Polysomnography (PSG), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Level of Snore were measured one day before operation and seix months after operation.

Results: The apnea hypopnea index (AHI), lowest SaO2 (LSaO2), ESS and Level of Snore have changed in both groups (P < 0.01) after surgery in both groups. There were no statistically significance (t= --0.301, P > 0.05) in validity ratio between two groups. Postoperative Level of Snore were significantly different between two groups while AHI, LSaO2, ESS were not significantly different between two groups.

Conclusions: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with partial resection of the musculus uvulae and preservation of uvulae mucosa is an effective surgical method for patients with OSAHS which obstructive plane is in oropharynx. It can decrease not only the level of snore but also the limited ratio of shrink in uvulae after routine surgery.