[Effectiveness of the partial velopalatine++ resection in obstructive apnea syndrome during sleep. Experience with 57 patients].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine the result of partial resection of the soft palate (SPR) as a treatment of the obstructive apnea syndrome during sleep (OASS).


METHODS
Fifty-seven patients diagnosed of OASS treated with SPR were studied. The clinical and polysomnographic results prior to surgery and after 6 months were compared.


RESULTS
Prior to SPR the 57 patients had a mean index of apnea plus hypopnea per hour of 57 (IAH) and following surgery the same was of 19.2 (p < 0.0001). IAH improved more than 50% in 42 patients (74%), 30 of whom were cured (IAH < or = 10). Daily hypersomnia and snoring disappeared in 58% of the patients and decreased in intensity in most of the remaining cases. The secondary effects observed following SPR were: rhinolalia, nasal fluid reflux, and oropharyngeal disturbances, being present in 32 patients (56%) and permanent, although slight, in only 13 (23%).


CONCLUSIONS
Soft palate resection is a good surgical procedure for therapy of obstructive apnea during sleep, with only slight secondary effects.
Pedro-Botet
J
J
Servicio de Medicina Interna, Universitària Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona.
Roca
A
A
Quesada
P
P
Perelló
E
E
Sagalés
M T
MT
Vaqué
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000601:surgery*; D012913:Snoring / Q000601:surgery; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods
Eficacia de la resección parcial velopalatina en el síndrome de apneas obstructivas durante el sueño. Experiencia en 57 pacientes.