Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with tonsillectomy in the treatment of severe OSAS.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the efficacy of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with tonsillectomy for treating selected patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
METHODOLOGY: Retrospective study of patients who underwent clinical/instrumental evaluation and surgical treatment.
SETTING: University ENT division with a tertiary snoring referral center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two patients with normal body mass index affected by severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre- and post-operative cardiopulmonary monitoring during sleep, daytime sleepiness evaluation, post-treatment complication recording.
RESULTS: Complete response to therapy was obtained in 78% of patients. Four patients had relief of symptoms but retained apnea/hypopnea index scores greater than 5.
CONCLUSIONS: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty associated with tonsillectomy can beemployed safely to treat patients with normal body mass index who suffer from severe obstructive sleep apnea.