Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: results of a patient questionnaire.

OBJECTIVES

This study was performed to evaluate patient satisfaction after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).

METHODS

One hundred forty-five patients returned surveys in an otolaryngology group. The patients had undergone UPPP for snoring, sleep apnea, or both between April 1, 2000, and April 5, 2005.

RESULTS

Most patients (103; 78%) reported being satisfied with their surgery, and most (96; 71%) stated that they would choose to have the surgery again. Postoperative improvement was reported by 85% of patients who had surgery for snoring alone, 88% of those who had surgery for sleep apnea alone, and 83% of those who had surgery for both. Patients who had a sleep study before surgery had a satisfaction rate of 90.3%, whereas only 62% of those who did not have a sleep study were satisfied. Fifty-three percent of those who had used continuous positive airway pressure still needed it after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients who had UPPP were satisfied and would choose to have the surgery again. The most satisfied patients had sleep apnea or sleep apnea and snoring together, as well as a sleep study before surgery. It is important to emphasize that UPPP does not cure everyone of sleep apnea or snoring and that it may not eliminate the need for continuous positive airway pressure.