title: Tonsillectomy with Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common disorder (prevalence 2-7% in women, 7-14% in men). It impairs the quality of life and increases mortality. Conservative treatment with continuous positive airway pressure is highly effective, but patient compliance is variable. Surgical treatments are controversial, as only a few are supported by evidence from controlled clinical trials.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adult patients with OSA, CPAP intolerance, and oropharyngeal obstruction were included in the trial. All underwent polysomnography (PSG) and were randomly allotted to one of two groups. Patients in the treatment group underwent tonsillectomy with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (TE-UPPP) within one month. All patients had a follow-up PSG at three months, and all PSGs were evaluated in blinded fashion. The primary outcome variable was the apneahypopnea index (AHI) as determined by PSG. Other outcome variables were subjective symptoms (daytime sleepiness, quality of life), complications, and patient satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  42 patents were included in the trial (23 in the treatment group, 19 in the control group). The baseline AHI was 35.7 ± 19.4/hr in the control group and 33.7 ± 14.6/hr in the treatment group. The corresponding figures at 3 months were 28.6 ± 19.4/hr in the control group and 15.4 ± 14.1/hr in the treatment group (p = 0.036). The intervention also led to significant improvement in daytime sleepiness and in snoring, according to the patients' and their bed partners' assessment. 97% of the patients who underwent surgery were satisfied with the outcome. 65% of them needed no further treatment for OSA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TE-UPPP significantly improved apnea/hypopnea, daytime sleepiness, and snoring compared to control (i.e., no) treatment. It is a safe and effective treatment for OSA..
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sleep Disorders Center, University Hospital Mannheim, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Essen University Hospital-Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.
authors.forename: Ulrich J
authors.initials: UJ
authors.lastname: Sommer
authors.forename: Clemens
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Heiser
authors.forename: Constanze
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gahleitner
authors.forename: Raphael M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Herr
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hörmann
authors.forename: Joachim T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Maurer
authors.forename: Boris A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Stuck
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D010159:Palate / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010611:Pharyngectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014609:Uvula / Q000601:surgery*