Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea by uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

Although uvulopalatopharyngoplasty has been proposed as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, there is limited objective data concerning its efficacy. We have examined 40 patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea before and 3 months following uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. A standardized questionnaire and detailed overnight sleep study were performed before and after surgery. In addition, 15 patients were retested 1 year postoperatively. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty resulted in a statistically significant reduction in symptoms, blood pressure, apnea index, and total apneic time. There was no significant change in patient weight or sleep gas exchange. Seventy-seven percent had a reduction in apnea index of greater than 50%, which is better than other reported series using a more conservative approach. Our more aggressive surgical method will be shown in detail. The 1-year follow-up studies revealed the results were maintained or slightly improved over time.