[Our results with respect to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in patients with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVES: In this study we evaluated the results of modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in patients with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (9 females, 11 males; mean age 44.4 years; range 31 to 67 years) who were diagnosed to have obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and snoring and who underwent modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty were evaluated prospectively. The patients were evaluated considering pre- and postoperative symptoms, polysomnography, and Epworth sleepiness scale. Postoperative polysomnography was performed in the 4th month at the earliest and in the 25th month at the latest.

RESULTS: With respect to polysomnography, there were no significant differences between pre- and postoperative values except duration of apnea. However, there was significant decrease in postoperative values when compared to preoperative values regarding Epworth sleepiness scale. There were no significant differences between the patients followed up for four to eight months and those followed up for 12 to 25 months.

CONCLUSION: Modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty may be a method of choice in patients with obstructive sleep apne syndrome who are not compatible with continuous positive airway pressure or oral apparatus.