The burdens, associated factors, and reasons for traditional uvulectomy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Traditional uvulectomy is a harmful procedure in which the entire or a portion of the uvula is removed by traditional practitioners. It causes complications like septicemia, transmission of infectious diseases, anemia, excessive bleeding, infection, tetanus, meningitis, and death. A summary of national data was lacking, thus, the study aimed to determine the pooled national burden and determinants of traditional uvulectomy in Ethiopia. METHODS: Studies were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, CINHAL (EBSCO), Google Scholar, Web of Sciences, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, and Google databases. Finally, 19 studies were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the JBI checklist. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were conducted using STATA Version 17 software. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Forest plots were used to present the pooled and summarized with random-effects meta-analysis models. RESULTS: Totally 19 articles with 23,559 study participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of uvulectomy in Ethiopia was 44 % (95 % CI: 31%-57 %). The highest prevalence was observed among studies conducted in the Tigray region (63 % (95 % CI: 34%-94 %), between the year 2011-2014 (58 % (95 % CI: 29%-87 %)) and, community setting (57 % (95 % CI: 36%-78 %). Mothers' educational status (AOR: 1.66, 95 % CI: 1.31-2.01) and residence (AOR: 1.70, 95 % CI: 1.16-2.23) were found to be significantly associated with traditional uvulectomy in Ethiopia. Frequently cited reasons for traditional uvulectomy were to prevent swelling, pus, and rupture of the uvula, for better care, prevention of sore throats and coughs, religion, and culture. CONCLUSION: The pooled result revealed that almost half of children are still subjected to traditional uvulectomy in Ethiopia. There is a need to intensify awareness creation campaigns against the practice by giving special attention to rural residents and uneducated ones.

Predicting the Outcomes of Oropharyngeal Surgery in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Tongue-Retaining Devices.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a tongue-retaining device (TRD) in predicting the outcomes of oropharyngeal surgery in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) before surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective case-control study. SETTING: A single tertiary medical center. METHODS: Patients with moderate-severe OSA who underwent both uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and tongue base suspension between January 2022 and July 2022 were included. Each patient underwent a series of 3 overnight polysomnography. Objective outcomes include apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), minimal oxygen saturation, and reduction rate of AHI. The correlation between the reduction rate of AHI with TRD and surgery was analyzed with linear regression. RESULTS: The reduction rates of AHI were significantly different between the group using TRD (44 ± 24%) and the postoperative group (55 ± 21%). The cross-tabulation revealed a strong association between a positive response to TRD treatment and a positive response to surgery. The use of TRD to evaluate surgical response demonstrated a positive predictive value of 90% and a negative predictive value of 70%. A strong correlation between the decrease in AHI was observed in both TRD and surgery groups, which was demonstrated by a steep slope in the scatter plot and a significant simple linear regression line. CONCLUSION: Preoperative TRD response is an accurate tool for predicting the success of oropharyngeal surgery in managing OSA patients before surgical treatment. Furthermore, a quantifiable positive linear correlation exists between the efficacy of preoperative TRD treatment and surgery.

A review of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate existing literature to understand the utility and safety of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: A literature review was conducted by two authors to search for studies from the inception of two databases until March 1, 2023. Studies in which participants were under 18 years of age and underwent UPPP for OSA or upper airway obstruction were selected. Data on variables such as pre- and postoperative severity, efficacy, complications, and follow-up were collected from all studies. RESULTS: After applying inclusion criteria to the initial 91 abstracts that were screened, 26 studies remained that included 224 patients who underwent UPPP. Most children who underwent UPPP had neurologic impairment, developmental delay, craniofacial abnormalities, or were obese, and underwent several procedures for OSA treatment. Of the studies that reported outcomes, 85.6 % of patients had subjective improvement, and 25.6 % of patients had a reported complication. CONCLUSIONS: Most children who underwent UPPP had serious medical comorbidities with moderate or severe OSA and a multi-procedural treatment plan. Although most patients had subjective improvement and there were low complication rates, the heterogeneity of existing literature makes it difficult to draw conclusions. Future multi-center, prospective studies should be conducted to analyze the true safety and efficacy of UPPP in pediatric patients.

[Functional and aesthetic significance of the uvula in cleft palate repair]. / Rol' yazychka v dostizhenii funktsional'nogo i esteticheskogo rezul'tata uranoplastiki.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate functional and aesthetic role of uvula in cleft palate repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients aged from 1 year 2 months to 7 years were included in this study with congenital cleft lip and/or palate. The morphological investigation of the resected hemi- uvula was done. Palatoplasty was performed in all cases. RESULTS: According to morphological results, most of the resected hemi-uvula consisted of vascularized fibrous tissue, covered with epithelium. In three groups of patients (with unilateral, bilateral and isolated cleft palate), the duration of the surgery and intraoperative blood loss did not exceed similar values for conventional methods. The volume of infusion therapy revealed a deficit of fluid intake of no more than 30%, which indicates early restoration of swallowing function. CONCLUSION: The technique of preserving one of the «hemi-uvulas¼ lead to excellent aesthetic results and increasing functionality. Resection of one of the «hemi-uvulas¼ is safe and physiological.

[Optimization of laser exposure parameters during surgical correction of soft palate tissues in patients with ronchopathy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / Optimizatsiya parametrov lazernogo vozdeistviya pri khirurgicheskoi korrektsii tkanei myagkogo neba u bol'nykh ronkhopatiei i sindromom obstruktivnogo apnoe vo sne.

OBJECTIVE: Substantiation of optimization of laser radiation parameters when performing surgery on the soft palate to improve the results of treatment of patients with ronchopathy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on the experience of performing laser sculptural uvulopalatoplasty in 309 patients with ronchopathy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, a rational choice of parameters of laser radiation used during the operation is justified. RESULTS: Optimization of laser radiation parameters during laser sculptural uvulopalatoplasty allowed to improve the positive results of treatment of patients with ronchopathy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in 98.4% of cases (304 out of 309 operated patients). CONCLUSION: Optimization of laser radiation parameters when performing laser sculptural uvulopalatoplasty increases the effectiveness of treatment of patients with ronchopathy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

[Efficacy of Barbed reposition pharyngoplasty combined with Han-Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for the treatment of OSAHS patients].

Objective: To study the efficacy of Barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP) combined with Han-Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (H-UPPP) in surgical treatment of OSAHS patients. Methods: OSAHS patients admitted to our department from June 2021 to February 2022 who met the surgical enrollment criteria were divided into two groups by surgical procedure: H-UPPP operation group [Control group, 47 cases, including 42 males and 5 females, aged 18-64 (37.77±11.65)years, and H-UPPP+BRP group [Study group, 48 cases, including 45 males and 3 females, aged 23-60 (39.10±9.86) years]. The surgical efficacy 6 months after operation was retrospectively analyzed. Meanwhile, the relationship between the surgical efficacy and modified Friedman pharyngeal anatomical stages was analyzed. The postoperative pain VAS score at first 3 days and the incidence of foreign body sensation in pharynx after 6 months of operation were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was conducted by SPSS 23.0. Results: There were no significant differences in gender, age, BMI, Friedman pharyngeal anatomical stages, ESS score, AHI and LSpO2 between the two groups, preoperatively (P>0.05). There was significant difference between the two groups in ratio of cumulative time of oxygen saturation below 90% to total sleep time(CT90), preoperatively. Surgical efficacy of H-UPPP operation group was 48.9% (23/47), while H-UPPP+BRP operation group was 70.8% (34/48), which was statistically significant (χ2=4.74, P=0.029). H-UPPP+BRP group seemed to have a higher surgical efficacy than H-UPPP group in patients with Friedman Ⅱb (87% vs. 61.9%) and Ⅲ stage (44.4% vs. 15%), but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). H-UPPP+BRP group had a higher pain VAS score in first three days (t=-3.10, P=0.003), also had higher incidence of pharyngeal foreign body sensation after 6 months of operation (χ2=4.727, P=0.030). Conclusions: In the surgical treatment of OSAHS patients, the overall efficacy of BRP combined H-UPPP surgery is higher than that of H-UPPP surgery alone. It may be more suitable for OSAHS patients with modified Friedman type Ⅱb and type Ⅲ stage.

[Effect of mouth breathing on upper airway structure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea].

Objective:To compare the changes of morphology of pharynx in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS） and healthy individuals during oral or nasal breathing, and explore the relevant influencing factors. Methods:Twenty-nine adult patients with OSAHS and 20 non-snoring controls underwent MRI to obtain upper airway structural measurements while the subjects were awake and during mouth breathing with a nasal clip.The following were analyzed. ①The changes of upper airway structure of oral and nasal respiration in non-snoring control/OSAHS patients were observed; ②The differences and influencing factors of upper airway structure changes between OSAHS patients and controls were compared during breathing. Results:The control group consisted of 15 males and 5 females, with an apnea-hypopnea index （AHI）<5 events/h, while the OSAHS group comprised 26 males and 3 females with an AHI of 40.4±23.1 events/h and the mean lowest arterial oxygen saturation （LSaO2） was 79.5% ±10.0%. In the both groups, the vertical distance between the mandible and the posterior pharyngeal wall decreased （P<0.05）; The long axis of tongue body decreased （P<0.05）, and the contact area between tongue and palate decreased. There was no significant change in the total volume of the retropalatine（RP） and retroglossal（RG） airway in the control group （P>0.05）. However, the minimum cross-sectional area and volume of the RP airway in OSAHS decreased （P<0.001）. The lateral diameters of uvula plane in OSAHS decreased during mouth breathing, which was contrary to the trend in the control group （P=0.017）. The AHI of patients was positively correlated with the reduction of the volume of the RP airway during oral breathing （P=0.001）; The reduction of the distance between the mandible and the posterior pharyngeal wall was positively correlated with the length of the airway （P<0.001）. Conclusion:Mouth breathing leads to the shortening of the long axis of the tongue, the reduction of the contact area between the soft palate and the tongue, vertical distance between the mandible and the posterior pharyngeal wall, and the cross-sectional area of the epiglottis plane. These changes vary between OSAHS patients and controls. During mouth breathing, the diameters, areas and volumes of the RP area decreased, and were more significant in severe cases.

Elevoplasty®: An Innovative, Minimally Invasive Procedure for the Treatment of Snoring.

For non-obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed patients with predominantly palatal snoring, Elevoplasty® is an efficient, minimally invasive treatment option. Aimed at reducing snoring severity, the innovative procedure involves the placement of three to four small resorbable polydioxanone barbed sutures, which are buried in the tissues of the soft palate. After placement, the sutures are "activated" by a gentle pull, which provides a "lift" of the soft palatal tissues and uvula. The soft palate, thus, is moved off of the posterior pharyngeal tissues at the back of the throat, providing an increased opening of the posterior pharyngeal airway and a reduction in snoring severity. This article provides an overview of this procedure along with other treatments for snoring.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with and without modified thyrohyoid suspension for obstructive sleep apnea treatment: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare the efficacy of Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty + Tongue Base Radiofrequency (TB-RF) and Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty + modified thyrohyoid suspension techniques + TB-RF which aimed to suspend base of tongue muscles anteriorly toward thyroid cartilage. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 48 cases of confirmed OSA between Jan, 2019 and Aug, 2022. We divided patients into two groups. One group underwent Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty + modified thyrohyoid suspension + TB-RF technique, and another one underwent Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty + TB-RF. Then, Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), mean and lowest O2 saturation, Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Stanford Subjective Snoring Scale (SSSS), and T90 indexes were evaluated before and after each surgery. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age was 39.4 ± 11.17 years. Of the 48 patients, 79.1% (n = 33) were male and 20.9% (n = 15) were female. AHI and SSSS in the Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty + modified thyrohyoid suspension group were significantly better than Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty group (P-value; 0.010). Though, there was no significant difference in terms of mean saturation, lowest desaturation, ESS, DSST, and T90 scores. The success rate in the Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty + modified thyrohyoid suspension and Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty groups, according to the Sher criteria: a minimum of 50% reduction with a final AHI less than 20, were 75% (18/24) and 41.7% (10/24), respectively. It was significantly higher in the Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty + modified thyrohyoid suspension group (P-value: 0.021). CONCLUSION: The addition of modified thyrohyoid suspension technique to Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty have better surgical outcomes and more success rate than Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in OSA patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT: IRCT20190602043791N2. https://en.irct.ir/trial/53365 .

Predictors of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty outcomes in patients with supine predominant positional obstructive sleep apnea: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: It is uncertain which factors substantially influence outcomes after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in patients with supine predominant obstructive sleep apnea (POSA). OBJECTIVE: To explore the predictors of UPPP outcomes in POSA patients. METHODS: A total of 108 patient(52 positional patients (POSA) and 56 nonpositional patients(NPP)), who underwent the revised uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (H-UPPP), were retrospectively studied. The pre-operative information of these patients, including polysomnography (PSG), and upper airway CT, were collected for analysis. RESULTS: No difference was found in surgical success rates between POSA and NPP undergoing H-UPPP. In POSA patients, there were statistically significant differences between responders and nonresponders in body mass index (BMI), preoperative supine AHI, time of SaO2 < 90% (TS90) (all p < .05), minimal anteroposterior airway (mAP) (p = .016), minimal lateral airway (mLAT) (p = .002), minimal cross-sectional airway area (mCSA) (p < .001) at the velopharynx. mLAT (p = .014) and mCSA (p = .002) at the glossopharynx. The independent associated factors for surgical success were lower BMI (p < .001), narrowerm LAT (p = .002) and mAP (p < .001) at velopharynx, and wider mCSA (p < .001) at glossopharynx in POSA. CONCLUSION: POSA patients with lower BMI, narrower mLAT and mAP at velopharynx, wider mCSA at glossopharynx were more likely to achieve a positive outcome with H-UPPP.

Efficacy Analysis of Extended Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty Combined With the Simultaneous Multiplane Operation to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to discuss the safety and long-term efficacy of extended uvulopalatopharyngoplasty combined with the simultaneous multiplane operation to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients confirmed with OSA by polysomnography received physical examinations, determination of nasal resistance, Muller's maneuver under electronic laryngoscope, and upper airway computed tomography scan to locate the obstruction planes. Then the patients received extended uvulopalatopharyngoplasty combined with the simultaneous multiplane operation of the nasal cavity and/or tongue root under general anesthesia. Body mass index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and lowest arterial oxygen saturation (LSaO 2 ) were compared before and after surgery. Postoperative complications were recorded. All patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months after surgery. The above-mentioned indicators were determined. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (22.58%) achieved a cure, 20 patients (32.26%) marked effectiveness, 20 patients (32.26%) moderate effectiveness, and 8 patients (12.90%) ineffectiveness. The overall response rate was 87.10%. AHI and ESS score decreased, and LSaO 2 increased after surgery than before, all in a significant manner ( P <0.05). There was no significant difference in body mass index before and after surgery. No severe complications occurred in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: Extended uvulopalatopharyngoplasty combined with the simultaneous multiplane operation had a good safety for OSA, improving ESS, AHI, and LSaO 2 significantly. The patients enjoyed an improved life quality after surgery.

Functional Outcomes of Swallowing Following Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OBJECTIVE: Identification and evaluation of swallowing dysfunction in patients undergoing upper airway surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is limited. This study evaluated subjective swallowing function pre and postoperatively in patients undergoing multi-level reconstructive pharyngeal sleep surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively-administered Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) scores was conducted among adult patients undergoing surgery for OSA at a tertiary sleep surgery center. Preoperative and 1, 3, and 6-month postoperative time points were assessed. Patients were subdivided into two groups based on the degree of upper airway reconstruction performed. All patients underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty +/-tonsillectomy and tongue-base reduction. Patients undergoing Phase 1 reconstructive surgery additionally underwent tongue-base advancement procedures. RESULTS: A total 100 patients underwent airway reconstructive surgery. Forty-one patients underwent Phase 1 surgery; 59 patients underwent Mini-Phase 1 surgery. Neither group demonstrated preoperative dysphagia. Both groups experienced significant subjective dysphagia at 1-month postoperatively, which was greater among Phase 1 patients (mean EAT-10 14.8; SD 10.4) versus Mini-Phase 1 patients (mean EAT-10 6.7; SD 7.5) (p < 0.001). Swallowing function among both groups normalized by 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Phase 1 patients with pre-operative dysphagia (mean EAT-10 9.6; SD 5) demonstrated initial worsening of their swallowing postoperatively; however, reported improved swallowing versus pre-operative levels by 6 months postoperatively (mean EAT-10 3.6; SD 4.3) (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Pharyngeal surgery resulted in no significant, persistent adverse change in swallowing function. Among both groups, significant subjective dysphagia was reported at 1 month postoperatively, yet returned to preoperative levels by 6 months postoperatively. OSA patients with pre-existing dysphagia undergoing Phase 1 surgery trended towards improved swallowing function postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 133:199-204, 2023.

Hyoid Suspension With UPPP for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

This retrospective evaluation of surgical outcomes for hyomandibular suspension when performed with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Thirty-nine patients with moderate-to-severe OSA were treated with hyoid myotomy and suspension and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Patients underwent hyoid advancement and suspension to the mandible (Encore System) with either staged or concurrent UPPP. The primary outcome was a successful surgical result, defined as an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) lower than 20, and a 50% or greater decline in AHI on postoperative polysomnography. Successful surgical results were achieved in 30 (76.9%) out of 39 patients. The mean preoperative AHI improved 69.2% from 49.9 ± 25.6 to 15.4 ± 14.9 (P < .001) postoperatively. All patients reported clinical improvement of symptoms. There were 4 wound complications and one infection requiring removal of hardware. For patients with multilevel obstructive sleep apnea, hyoid advancement and suspension to the mandible appears efficacious when performed in conjunction with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

Palatal hybrid surgery for obstructive sleep apnea-state-of-the-art annotation of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has changed in concept and technique that transformed from radical excision to functional reconstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of palatal hybrid surgery in OSA patients. METHODS: Palatal hybrid surgery is a tissue-specific technique (mucosa-preservation, tonsil-excision, fat-ablation, muscle-relocation/suspension) used in treating OSA patients with velopharyngeal obstruction. The study included 46 consecutive adults OSA patients. The palatal hybrid surgery annotates uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in stereoscopic reconstruction of tonsillar fossa (pharyngoplasty), omni-suspension of the soft palate (palatoplasty) and advancement of uvula (uvuloplasty). RESULTS: No patient experienced airway compromise, voice change or persistent nasal regurgitation following palatal hybrid surgery. One patient existed postoperative tonsillar fossa bleeding received conservative treatment. Postoperative pain in visual analogue scale (VAS) showed average score of 3, 3, 2, 0 at the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th day, respectively. Perioperative snoring severity (VAS) (8.7 vs 2.6) and daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) (11.3 vs 5.5) all improved significantly (p < 0.001). Posterior air space in retropalatal area increased from 8.4 to 11.1 mm (p < 0.001). Home sleep test showed that apnea-hypopnea index significantly reduced from 41.8 to 18.2 event/h and minimal oxygen saturation increased from 72.4 to 81.5% (p < 0.001). The success rate in individual Friedman stage was 100% (stage I), 63% (stage II) and 58% (stage III) with a total success rate of 63%. CONCLUSION: Palatal hybrid surgery using tissue-specific maneuver annotates UPPP in concept and technique. The results show that palatal hybrid surgery is mini-invasive with low morbid and is effective in improving subjective clinic symptoms, objective sleep parameters and success rate of OSA.

Effect of mouth breathing on upper airway structure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To compare the changes of morphology of pharynx in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS） and healthy individuals during oral or nasal breathing, and explore the relevant influencing factors. Methods:Twenty-nine adult patients with OSAHS and 20 non-snoring controls underwent MRI to obtain upper airway structural measurements while the subjects were awake and during mouth breathing with a nasal clip.The following were analyzed. ①The changes of upper airway structure of oral and nasal respiration in non-snoring control/OSAHS patients were observed; ②The differences and influencing factors of upper airway structure changes between OSAHS patients and controls were compared during breathing. Results:The control group consisted of 15 males and 5 females, with an apnea-hypopnea index （AHI）<5 events/h, while the OSAHS group comprised 26 males and 3 females with an AHI of 40.4±23.1 events/h and the mean lowest arterial oxygen saturation （LSaO2） was 79.5% ±10.0%. In the both groups, the vertical distance between the mandible and the posterior pharyngeal wall decreased （P<0.05）; The long axis of tongue body decreased （P<0.05）, and the contact area between tongue and palate decreased. There was no significant change in the total volume of the retropalatine（RP） and retroglossal（RG） airway in the control group （P>0.05）. However, the minimum cross-sectional area and volume of the RP airway in OSAHS decreased （P<0.001）. The lateral diameters of uvula plane in OSAHS decreased during mouth breathing, which was contrary to the trend in the control group （P=0.017）. The AHI of patients was positively correlated with the reduction of the volume of the RP airway during oral breathing （P=0.001）; The reduction of the distance between the mandible and the posterior pharyngeal wall was positively correlated with the length of the airway （P<0.001）. Conclusion:Mouth breathing leads to the shortening of the long axis of the tongue, the reduction of the contact area between the soft palate and the tongue, vertical distance between the mandible and the posterior pharyngeal wall, and the cross-sectional area of the epiglottis plane. These changes vary between OSAHS patients and controls. During mouth breathing, the diameters, areas and volumes of the RP area decreased, and were more significant in severe cases.

Pharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea: The influence of surgical technique.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea is the most frequent sleep disorder worldwide, with rising incidence. Pharyngoplasty is an alternative treatment in patients not suitable to continuous positive airway pressure devices (CPAP). The aim of this study is to compare different surgical techniques of pharyngoplasty for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and evaluate its influence in surgical success. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 92 patients that underwent pharyngoplasty for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea from 2001 to 2020. Included patients performed classic uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), radiofrequency assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (RF-UPPP) or barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP). Surgical success was defined and outcomes and complications assessed for each procedure. RESULTS: Most patients were male, with a mean age of 49.36±9.6 years and a mean apnea hypopnea index (AHI) of 29.14±2.94events/h. Thirty-six patients performed classic UPPP, thirty-one underwent RF-UPPP and the remaining twenty-five performed BRP. BRP achieved the highest success rate (66%) in comparison with UPPP (57%) and RF-UPPP (54%) (p=0.032). Mean relative AHI reduction after surgery was not statistically different between three procedures (p=0.098), although there was a tendency for greater reduction with BRP. Most symptoms improved after surgery and snoring was the most recurrent symptom. BRP had less foreign body sensation after surgery, however, it was the procedure with highest rate of post-operative tonsillar bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: In our department, the introduction of recent techniques of velopharyngeal surgery, focused in functional and lateral muscular collapse, has translated into an increase in success rate after surgery. The relative ease of the procedure and reduction of long term complications make BRP an attractive alternative option for CPAP in OSA, in carefully selected patients.

Pharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea: The influence of surgical technique

Introduction and objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea is the most frequent sleep disorder worldwide, with rising incidence. Pharyngoplasty is an alternative treatment in patients not suitable to continuous positive airway pressure devices (CPAP). The aim of this study is to compare different surgical techniques of pharyngoplasty for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and evaluate its influence in surgical success.Material and methodsRetrospective study of 92 patients that underwent pharyngoplasty for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea from 2001 to 2020. Included patients performed classic uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), radiofrequency assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (RF-UPPP) or barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP). Surgical success was defined and outcomes and complications assessed for each procedure.ResultsMost patients were male, with a mean age of 49.36±9.6 years and a mean apnea hypopnea index (AHI) of 29.14±2.94events/h. Thirty-six patients performed classic UPPP, thirty-one underwent RF-UPPP and the remaining twenty-five performed BRP. BRP achieved the highest success rate (66%) in comparison with UPPP (57%) and RF-UPPP (54%) (p=0.032). Mean relative AHI reduction after surgery was not statistically different between three procedures (p=0.098), although there was a tendency for greater reduction with BRP. Most symptoms improved after surgery and snoring was the most recurrent symptom. BRP had less foreign body sensation after surgery, however, it was the procedure with highest rate of post-operative tonsillar bleeding.ConclusionsIn our department, the introduction of recent techniques of velopharyngeal surgery, focused in functional and lateral muscular collapse, has translated into an increase in success rate after surgery. The relative ease of the procedure and reduction of long term complications make BRP an attractive alternative option for CPAP in OSA, in carefully selected patients. (AU)

Introducción y objetivos: La apnea obstructiva del sueño es el trastorno del sueño más frecuente en todo el mundo, con una incidencia creciente. La faringoplastia es una alternativa de tratamiento en pacientes no aptos para dispositivos de presión positiva continua en la vía aérea (CPAP). El objetivo de este estudio es comparar diferentes técnicas quirúrgicas de faringoplastia para el tratamiento de la apnea obstructiva del sueño y evaluar su influencia en el éxito quirúrgico.Material y métodosEstudio retrospectivo de 92 pacientes que fueron sometidos a faringoplastia para el tratamiento de la apnea obstructiva del sueño desde 2001 hasta 2020. Los pacientes incluidos se sometieron a uvulopalatoplastia clásica (UPPP), uvulopalatoplastia asistida por radiofrecuencia (RF-UPPP) o faringoplastia de reposición con sutura barbada (BRP). Se definió el éxito quirúrgico y se evaluaron los resultados y las complicaciones de cada procedimiento.ResultadosLa mayoría de los pacientes fueron varones, con una edad media de 49,36±9,6 años y un índice de apnea-hipopnea (IAH) medio de 29,14±2,94 eventos/hora. Treinta y seis pacientes realizaron UPPP clásica, 31 se sometieron a RF-UPPP y los 25 restantes realizaron BRP. La BRP obtuvo la mayor tasa de éxito (66%) en comparación con la UPPP (57%) y la RF-UPPP (54%) (p=0,032). La reducción relativa media del IAH tras la cirugía no fue estadísticamente diferente entre los 3 procedimientos (p=0,098), aunque hubo una tendencia a una mayor reducción con la BRP. La mayoría de los síntomas mejoraron tras la cirugía y el ronquido fue el síntoma más recurrente. La BRP tuvo menos sensación de cuerpo extraño después de la cirugía, sin embargo, fue el procedimiento con mayor tasa de hemorragia postoperatoria. (AU)

[Morphological changes of upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome after H-UPPP].

Objective:To investigate the morphological changes of the upper airway palatepharyngeal plane after modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty（H-UPPP） in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome（OSAHS） and efficacy of the surgery. Methods:Thirty-six patients diagnosed as moderate to severe OSAHS in the Central Hospital of Wuhan from January 2016 to September 2019 were treated with H-UPPP. PSG and 64 slice spiral CT were performed before operation, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after operation to evaluate the changes of AHI, LSaO2, CT90, BMI and the minimum anterior and posterior axis diameter, left and right axis diameter and cross-sectional volume of velopharyngeal plane, respectively. Results:The AHI, LSaO2, CT90, BMI were significantly improved, while the minimum anterior posterior axis diameter, left and right axis diameter and cross-sectional volume of velopharyngeal plane were enlarged in the maximum extent at one month after operation. The alteration of left and right axis diameter could be maintained until half a year after operation, but gradually retracted after 1 year after operation. The improvement of anterior and posterior axis diameter can only be maintained until 3 months after operation, and return to the preoperative level 2 years after operation; The minimum cross-sectional area improved significantly at 1 month after operation and decreased after 3 months, but there was still a significant improvement at 2 years after operation（P<0.05）. The change of AHI was similar to that of the minimum cross-sectional area, and there was still a significant difference at 2 years after operation（P<0.001）; The improvement of LSaO2 was the most significant at 1 month after operation, which could be maintained until 3 months after operation, and then gradually recovered. The improvement of CT90 could be maintained until half a year after operation, and decreased significantly at 1 year after operation. BMI was still better than that before operation at 1 year after operation, but returned to the preoperative level at 2 years after operation. The improvement of AHI was mainly related to the minimum anterior posterior axis diameter and cross-sectional area of velopharyngeal plane, but not to the left and right axis diameters. Conclusion:The morphological changes of upper airway in patients with OSAHS after H-UPPP are mainly the improvement of anterior posterior diameter, left and right diameter and minimum cross-sectional area caused by removing the anatomical load of upper airway within 3 months after operation, but the reduction of anterior posterior diameter and minimum cross-sectional area gradually occurs after 3 months, resulting in the weakening of surgical effect.

The folk illness kimeo and "traditional" uvulectomy: an ethnomedical study of care seeking for children with cough and weakness in Dar es Salaam.

BACKGROUND: Amputation of the uvula by lay providers, so-called "traditional uvulectomy", is common in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, the procedure is a treatment of persistent cough, and in some areas of the country, one in three children have been cut. Previous research from Sub-Saharan Africa suggest that uvulectomy by lay providers can increase morbidity and mortality in children, but few studies have examined the cultural ideas and practices that are linked to this form of lay surgery. METHODS: This ethnomedical study took place in Dar es Salaam. Ten focus group discussions with a total of 43 caregivers in three different administrative districts were carried out, focusing on their perceptions of uvulectomy, the folk illness kimeo, and their experiences with taking a child for cutting. Four folk practitioners who carry out uvulectomies were interviewed individually, with a special focus on their background, and their perceptions of kimeo and uvulectomy. RESULTS: Caregivers in Dar es Salaam typically take children who suffer from cough, vomiting and weakness to a professional health provider as a first recourse. If the child does not get well relatively quickly, some start fearing that their child may suffer from the folk illness kimeo. Kimeo is perceived by some to be an acute, life-threatening illness that professional health providers are incapable of treating. Folk practitioners treat kimeo by amputating the uvula using forceps. The four interviewed practitioners had learned their skill in apprenticeship, and two of them were third generation uvula cutters. Caregivers regard the folk practitioners as experts who offer a service that is perceived as both efficient and safe. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts should be made to improve the quality of professional health services for children presenting with cough, including more open communication with caregivers about the folk illness kimeo. More research is needed to establish the clinical conditions that children who are taken for uvulectomy suffer from, to what degree the practice delays professional health care for underlying illnesses like pneumonia, and the negative effects of the cutting itself.

Lateral pharyngoplasty vs. traditional uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for patients with OSA: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and success rates of lateral pharyngoplasty techniques (LP) vs. uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) among adult patients surgically treated for obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: A systematic literature review of the last 20 years' papers was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scholar, and the Cochrane Library until April 2021. Only full-text English articles comparing LP and UPPP outcomes in adult patients with objective outcomes were included in the study. RESULTS: We included 9 articles for a total of 312 surgically treated patients with OSA. LP techniques for obstructive sleep apnea were used on 186 (60%) subjects, while 126 patients (40%) were treated with UPPP. Both surgical procedures resulted in significant improvements in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, and lowest oxygen saturation (LOS) (p < 0.001 in all cases). Although better outcomes were reported with lateral pharyngoplasty, the differences were not significant compared to UPPP post-operative results (p > 0.05 in all cases). CONCLUSIONS: UPPP and LP are both effective surgical procedures in treating OSA in adults. Although not significant, LPs demonstrated improved post-operative outcomes. However, further evidence comparing the surgical effect on patients with OSA is needed to discriminate post-operative outcomes.