title: Randomized study comparing two tongue base surgeries for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effectiveness and morbidity of the tongue base radiofrequency and tongue base suspension techniques combined with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective and randomized surgical trial at a university hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 57 patients received either tongue base radiofrequency reduction (n = 29) or tongue base suspension (n = 28). Apnea-hypopnea index, lowest oxygen saturation (polysomnography), Epworth score, and side effects were assessed. Success was defined as a > or =50 percent reduction and final apneahypopnea index < 15/h, and an Epworth score < 11.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The success rates of the two procedures were 57.1 percent and 51.7 percent, respectively (P = 0.79), but only 12.5 percent and 10 percent, respectively (P = 0.87), in obese patients. Body mass index (P = 0.0002) was the main predictor of success in a logistic regression analysis. Tongue base suspension demonstrated higher morbidity (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The effectiveness of tongue base suspension was similar to that of tongue base radiofrequency reduction, although with significantly higher morbidity, for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. The effectiveness of both techniques was lower in obese patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neither technique should be used in obese patients who have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
authors.affiliation: Otorhinolaryngology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain. fernandez_enr@gva.es
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fernández-Julián
authors.forename: Noelia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Muñoz
authors.forename: Maria Teresa
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Achiques
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: García-Pérez
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Orts
authors.forename: Jaime
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Marco
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017286:Polysomnography; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000601:surgery*; D014059:Tongue / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome