Comparison of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and uvulopalatal flap in Turkish military personnel with primary snoring.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the surgical results of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and uvulopalatal flap (UPF) procedures in the treatment of primary snoring.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Two study groups were formed and UPPP and UPF procedures were performed. All patients were stratified according to the modified Friedman staging system. Patients with tonsil size 2-4, palatal position scale grade 2, and body mass index lower than 30 were enrolled in the study. The success of surgical procedures was evaluated by applying a snoring questionnaire and Epworth sleepiness scale preoperatively and 90 days after the operation. Patients were followed for postoperative pain and other complications.

RESULTS

Snoring was relieved in 85% of UPPP and in 83.3% of UPF patients 90 days after the operation. Postoperative pain complaint was more prominent in the UPPP group and mean duration of pain was significantly longer compared with the UPF group.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite similar success rates in the short-term, we can say that the UPF procedure is more practical and comfortable when compared to the UPPP in the military setting.