title: Is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty still an option for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea?
abstract: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) has been widely described as a surgical option for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Several studies have demonstrated variable success rates, and different criteria have been used to define success of surgery. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficiency of UPPP by polysomnography and to correlate it to the clinical findings. Also, we correlated to the various studies dealing with this topic, considering the different criteria adopted in each of this. Sixty-four patients were included in the study. The efficiency of surgery for UPPP was analyzed to the variables such as body mass index, age, preoperative polysomnography results and follow-up period. Based on the criteria for postoperative cure, the success rate was 44 %. Younger patients presented a better success rate than older ones. No other correlation was found between clinical findings and UPPP success. UPPP can be curative in some patients, but combination with other treatment modalities must be considered. This should be mentioned to the patients, since in many cases the sites of airway collapse may be multiple and no clinical aspect (except for age) is indicative of good prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900-12o andar, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Adriano
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Braga
authors.forename: Luiz H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Carboni
authors.forename: Tassiana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: do Lago
authors.forename: Daniel S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Küpper
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eckeli
authors.forename: Fabiana C P
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Valera
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000601:surgery*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014609:Uvula / Q000601:surgery*