Harmonic Scalpel Assisted Uvalopalatopharyngoplasty

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the evaluation of the harmonic scalpel-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery with posterior wall of uvula mucosa sutured with anterior wall. Design: According to the diagnostic criteria published by Chinese medical association of otolaryngologyhead and neck, 21 cases were performed UPPP with the harmonic scalpel. The Regional Ethics Committee of our hospital approved the study protocol. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants. Setting: A single specialist hospital. Participants: 21 patients with OSAHS. Participants were not randomized in groups and were performed UPPP with the harmonic scalpel. Main Outcome Measures: Part of the uvula muscle and the anterior wall of the uvula mucosa were removed, and the mucosa of posterior wall was preserved. The mucosa of the posterior wall was sutured with the remaining part of the anterior wall. The AHI and LaSO2 were measured both before and six months after the operation by Polysomnography (PSG). Results: This study reported a significant improvement (p < 0.01) at six months of follow-up. The effective rate of this surgery was 76.2% at six month. Preoperative AHI (x ± s) was 48.6 ± 12.65, and LSaO 2 (x ± s) was 67.4% ± 9.18%; postoperative AHI was 10.9 ± 9.29, and postoperative LSaO 2 was 91.0 ± 1.47. The mean operation duration was 30.1 minutes. Conclusion: The use of HS in UPPP is efficient and shows some advantages over conventional method: its use provided a blood free surgery field, and shorter operation duration.