[The assessment of nasal surgery and uvulopalatopharyngoplasy (UPPP) in the treatment of patients with mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)].

UNLABELLED: The role of nasal patency in the pathogenesis of OSA is not fully understood. There are conflicting data in the literature considering the influence of the nasal resistance on RDI. The aim of the study was to assess if the surgical procedures aimed at increasing nasal patency performed simultaneously with UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) may improve it's effectiveness.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

20 patients with mild to moderate OSA (RDI < 30) were qualified for the study. Their BMI was less than 30, and total nasal resistance assessed by anterior rhinomanometry exceeded 0,45 kPa/l/s in each patient. The UPPP and nasal surgery (septoplasty, mucoplasty or CO2 laser mucotomy) were performed as a one surgical procedure in all patients.

RESULTS

The effectiveness of simultaneously performed UPPP and nasal surgery reached 55% in the group of unselected mild to moderate OSA patients. Snoring volume decreased to the level that did not disturb sleep of others in 75% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Nasal surgery minimally increased the effectiveness of UPPP in the treatment of unselected mild to moderate OSA patients. These surgical procedures caused noticeable decrease of snoring volume that was corroborated both subjectively and objectively. At the same time snoring was more reduced than RDI in studied group of patients.