One-phase management of severe obstructive sleep apnea: tongue base reduction with hyoepiglottoplasty plus uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the results of a 1 phase surgical procedure for the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) attributable to tongue base obstruction.


METHODS
A retrospective nonrandomized study at S Orsola Malpighi University Hospital of Bologna, Italy.


METHODS
Ten male patients affected by severe OSA (mean apnea/hypopnea index [AHI] of 54.7), underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) associated with tongue base reduction and hyoepiglottoplasty (TBRHE). The indications to this surgical procedure were based on the presence of hyolingual abnormalities and absence of craniofacial deficiencies determined by preoperative assessment.


RESULTS
Mean AHI decreased from 54.7+/-11.5 to 9.4+/-5.4 whereas the mean low SaO2 value went from 77%+/-6.2 to 90.7%+/-3 and the time of sleep with SaO2<90% improved from 53%+/-17.2 to 7.3%+/-8. The overall success rate was 100%.


CONCLUSIONS
TBRHE is an effective and safe treatment in patients with severe OSA attributable to tongue base obstruction and in absence of craniofacial deficiencies.
Sorrenti
Giovanni
G
ENT Department, S Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna University, Bologna, Italy.
Piccin
Ottavio
O
Mondini
Susanna
S
Ceroni
Alberto Rinaldi
AR
D000328:Adult; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D004825:Epiglottis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000601:surgery; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000601:surgery*; D014059:Tongue / Q000601:surgery*; D014609:Uvula / Q000601:surgery*