Reduced Nasal Resistance after Simple Tonsillectomy in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of simple tonsillectomy on nasal resistance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Methods

Conventional tonsillectomy was performed in 20 patients who were refractory to treatment with continuous positive airway pressure. The subjects consisted of 17 men and 3 women (mean age, 32.9 ± 6.3 years). The effects of tonsillectomy were evaluated with preoperative and postoperative polysomnography and nasal resistance.

Results

After tonsillectomy, nasal resistance decreased significantly from 0.39 ± 0.30 Pa/cm³ per second to 0.27 ± 0.16 Pa/cm³ per second (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the apnea–hypopnea index decreased significantly from 55.7 ± 22.5 to 21.2 ± 14.2 (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between tonsillar weight and percentage of change in bilateral nasal resistance (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The reduction in nasal resistance induced by simple tonsillectomy could play an important role in improving OSAS, as does nasal surgery or adenotomy.