Morbidity of Combined Lateral Pharyngoplasty and Midline Glossectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Objective: 1) Describe the technique of lateral pharyngoplasty and midline glossectomy. 2) Evaluate the morbidity of multilevel sleep surgery involving lateral pharyngoplasty and midline glossectomy for management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Method: Retrospective chart review of adult patients with polysomnographic evidence of OSA treated at a tertiary care referral center with multilevel sleep surgery involving lateral pharyngoplasty and midline glossectomy between 2009 and 2010. Outcome measures included estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and complications during the perioperative and postoperative period.

Results: Thirty-three patients were identified that met inclusion criteria. Estimated blood loss at time of surgery was 144 milliliters. The average hospital stay was 1.4 days with 1.03 days in an intensive care setting. Sixty-one percent of patients required postoperative oxygen and 9.1% required postoperative continuous positive airway pressure therapy. The perioperative complication rate was 3% (1/33). There were 21% (7/33)minor and 0% (0/33) major complications in the immediate postoperative period.

Conclusion: Lateral pharyngoplasty and midline glossectomy are safe procedures that present a minimal risk to the patient. Postoperative complications are marked predominantly by treatable complaints, including odynophagia and minor infections requiring antibiotic therapy.