Long-term outcomes of cases after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty surgery: a retrospective study

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to evaluate late-term postoperative anatomical, radiological, and polysomnographic study findings after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty surgery and describe the relationships between these findings. Methods: This cross-sectional, retrospective study had a population of all cases undergone mentioned surgery in the department of otolaryngology at a university hospital between January 2005 and December 2008. Demographic variables (age, gender, time after the surgery), body mass indexes, Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores, anatomic variables (routine and non-routine examination findings and measurements), radiographic variables (computed tomography scans data), polysomnographic variables (Apnea-hypopnea indexes, mean and minimum oxygen saturations) were assessed. The results were reported as odds ratio (95% CI) and p15) group (8 vs 2, p=.009). The mean upper alveolar arcus width differed among apnea-hypopnea index15 groups, 4.15±0.21 and 3.93± 0.26, respectively (p=0.04). There was no significant correlation between the Apnea-hypopnea index and the other variables but there were moderate to strong significant correlations between other variables. Conclusion: Uvular length, uvular width and the measurement of the upper alveolar arcus (indicating the maxillary transverse width) differ in cases who have undergone uvulopalatopharyngoplasty surgery and fell into different Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome severity groups determined by a polysomnographic study.