CHANGES IN NASAL AND ORAL RESPIRATORY RESISTANCE BEFORE AND AFTER UVULOPALATOPHARYNGOPLASTY

Twelve patients with complaints of sleep apnea were examined with the all-night sleep test. They underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and were studied with the all-night sleep test again 3 to 6 months aft er the operation. Nasal and oral respiratory resistance was measured i n sitting and supine position before and after surgery using a microrh inograph. The physiological effect of UPPP was also compared with the results of an MRI anatomical study. Nasal and oral respiratory resista nce was significantly decreased post-operatively (p < 0.05). The decre ased value of post-operative nasal respiratory resistance in a supine position was more marked than that of oral resistance, suggesting that UPPP eliminates the obstruction at the soft palate, especially in a s upine position. Although our study was performed in awake patients enl argement of the airway in the middle pharyngeal region may improve the nasal and oral respiratory function during sleep.