Expansion Sphincter Pharyngoplasty for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Outcome Evaluated by Pre- and Postoperative Polysomnography

Abstract

Objectives:

(1) Determine the effectiveness of expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (ESP) in the treatment of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). (2) Be able to analyze the effects of the ESP on the sleep stages of patients with moderate and severe OSA. (3) Confirm changes in oxygen saturation after surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective review of a prospective data set of 20 patients with moderate and severe OSA who underwent ESP. Patients studied were adults with small tonsils, body mass index less than 30 kg/m², Friedman stage II or III, and type I Fujita. Charts between 2010 to 2014 were reviewed, and preoperative and postoperative polysomnographic values were analyzed.

Results:

Eighteen patients (90%) undergoing ESP showed some improvement. The surgery was effective in the treatment of severe and moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS; P < .001). Patients with severe OSAS had better results with ESP than patients with moderate OSAS (P < .001). After surgery there were significant changes in sleep stages (P < .05). Minimum oxygen saturation improved in the moderate and severe OSAS groups.

Conclusions:

ESP is a valid therapeutic option for the treatment of OSA, and showed better results in severe cases rather than moderate ones. There are variations in the sleep stages that must be considered after this surgery. The surgical technique can bring benefits in oxygen saturation in patients with OSAS.