Flexible pharyngoscopy with the Müller maneuver has been proposed as a method for selection of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty candidates. In this prospective study, its predictive efficacy has been evaluated in 24 consecutive obstructive sleep apnea patients undergoing uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. FPMM enabled us to accurately predict the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty outcome in 12 of the 24 patients (50%).
Although flexible pharyngoscopy with the Müller maneuver appears to be helpful in the selection of candidates for UPP, its distinct predictive efficacy is low.
Twenty patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) underwent complete polysomnography and simultaneous upper airway pressure monitoring with a custom-made, soft silicone-covered catheter measuring 2.3 mm in diameter. The catheter had four solid-state microtip pressure sensors positioned in the posterior nasopharynx, immediately caudal to the tip of the uvula, at the level of the hyoid bone, and in the midesophagus. The level(s) of airway collapse was determined by changes in the pressure patterns between transducers. In 14 of the 20 patients, airway collapse was confined or initiated at the oropharyngeal region. The obstruction extended to the base of tongue in 7 and to the entire collapsible upper airway in 2 patients. Four patients had collapse at the base of the tongue and 2 had collapse at the hypopharynx. The site of airway collapse remained fairly constant through various sleep stages and positions. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and postoperative polysomnography were performed in 4 patients (2 with hypopharyngeal, 1 with base of tongue, and 1 with oropharyngeal airway collapse). Two patients had a favorable response to UPPP.
In this study, the computed tomography scans of 100 patients with chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis were reviewed to establish a clinical staging system. Fourteen percent of the patients were classified as Stage I (single-focus disease); 36% as Stage II (multifocal disease responsive to conservative therapy); 32% as Stage III (diffuse disease partially responsive to medication); and 16% as Stage IV (diffuse disease associated with bony changes and poorly responsive to conservative treatment). The incidence of recurrent or persistent disease ranged from 13% for Stage II to 30% for Stage IV. Stage I and III patients had 13% and 18% recurrence rates, respectively. Computed tomography staging is shown to be useful in outlining operative strategies and is a reliable prognosticator of the disease process.
A pharyngeal suspension suture changes subjective outcomes. Improvement is incomplete. The procedure is nonexcisional, but significant complications may occur. Further evaluation is required to demonstrate effectiveness.
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