A new technique of palatal implantation using platelet rich plasma and septal cartilage for management of obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common health problem affecting a large number of people all over the world with great psychological and physiological burdens. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of implantation of septal cartilage and platelet rich plasma in the soft palate as a new technique in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Patients and Methods: This study included 30 Patients with mild to moderate OSA were divided into two groups (A and B) each was 15. Group A: n=15(Tonsillectomy and palatal implantation with septal cartilage). Group B: n=15(Tonsillectomy and platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection). Results: This study found that both techniques improved day time sleepiness with reduction of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), also there was marked improvement in radiological parameters in the form of increase of the antro-posterior diameter and retro palatal cross-sectional area but also We found superiority of group A over group B in improvement of these parameters that in Group A: success rate was 86.6% while in Group B: it was 80%. No major postoperative complications were recorded. Conclusion: palatal implantation of septal cartilage and platelet rich plasma, both are effective as a treatment of obstructive sleep apnea due to retro-palatal collapse.