Authors : Vignesh S, Babu NM, Balakrishnan A, Kumar MR, Ram SSP
DOI : 10.18231/j.pjms.2023.034
Volume : 13
Issue : 1
Year : 2023
Page No : 165-170
Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a common sleep disorder caused by abnormalities in the pharynx and upper airway muscles. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is the commonly indicated surgical procedure for the management of OSA. Recent studies state that coblation assisted UPPP can improve the outcomes of OSA.
Aim : To study the efficacy of coblation assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome with isolated obstruction at the retropalatal level.
Materials and Methods: This prospective before-after analysis was conducted in Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital and Government Royapettah Hospital attached to Kilpauk Medical College from September 2016 to September 2017. After a thorough examination, patients with moderate and severe OSA with obstruction at the retropalatal level were selected for the study. Institutional ethical clearance was obtained and all patients signed the written informed consent form.
Results: A total of 25 patients were selected for the study and a male predominance was observed (80%). Tonsil size was graded using the Friedman grading scale and the majority of the patients had grade II tonsillar enlargement (52%). Based on tonsil size and Friedman's palate position, the patients were classified using Friedman's system. 11 patients were classified as stage 1, 10 patients were classified as stage 2, 4 patients were classified as stage 3. A success rate of 68% was observed following surgery based on the 50% reduction in the AHI criterion.
Conclusions: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is effective in the management of OSA. Coblation assisted procedures can reduce postoperative pain and improve the outcomes of surgical therapy.
Keywords: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, Polysomnography, DrugInduced sleep endoscopy, Obstructive sleep apnoea, Coblation