Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty complications and avoidance strategies.
Reports of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty complications were elicited from 72 locations in the United States. We asked physicians to report all complications that had occurred in the 9 years since the operation was introduced. Sixteen fatalities were reported; respiratory distress was the most common cause. Forty-six cases of nasopharyngeal stenosis were reported and 42 cases of palatal incompetence were reported. Hemorrhages and wound dehiscences were also reported. A retrospective analysis of the complications was made and diagnostic-therapeutic strategies are discussed with respect to prevention of complications.
Fairbanks
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Ear, Nose, and Throat Medical Group of Washington, D.C. 20037.
D001037:Aphasia / Q000209:etiology; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D009302:Nasopharyngeal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D010159:Palate / Q000601:surgery*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000601:surgery*; D012913:Snoring / Q000601:surgery*; D014609:Uvula / Q000601:surgery*; D014681:Velopharyngeal Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology