Abstract
Objective: Retropalatal region is a part of upper airway contributing to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We aimed to demonstrate the changes in the retropalatal surface area (RPSA) after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in an attempt to exhibit enlargement as a predictor of surgical treatment.
Method: Twenty patients with OSA who underwent UPPP were retrospectively evaluated. Pre and postoperative respiratory disturbance index (RDI), RPSA measurements were studied. Retropalatal region photos were captured at the base of uvula during fiber optic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy to measure RPSAs using AutoCad2004. RDI levels, RPSA measurements were compared using paired t test.
Results: The RPSA measurements in the preoperative subjects were between 20 and 72 (mean 44.18). The RPSA measurements in the postoperative patients were between 37 and 107 (mean 72.82). The RPSA significantly increased in postoperative patients (P = .001). The mean RDI decreased from 27.5 ± 22.2 to 14.6 ± 12.4 (P > .05).
Conclusion: RPSA increases in UPPP patients postoperatively with evidence of an enlarged retropalatal region. Decreased RDI levels indicate amelioration in OSA. RPSA measurements can be used to predict UPPP surgical treatment success.
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