UVULOPALATOPHARYNGOPLASTY - THE NAVAL MEDICAL-CENTER, PORTSMOUTH, EXPERIENCE

Purpose: To review the surgical results of uvulopalatopharyngoplasties (UPPP) performed at the Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA, for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The results will be evaluated c omparing the recognized standard criteria with a proposed revised crit eria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was completed of u vulopalatopharyngoplasties performed from January 1, 1994 to July 30, 1996. Preoperative polysomnography and apnea-related symptoms were com pared with those recorded postoperatively. Results: With our new propo sed criteria, an apnea-hypopnea index of less than 20 acid lowest oxyg en saturation of greater than 85%, the success rate of UPPP was 49%. I f patients with severe sleep apnea were excluded, the success rate ros e to 69%. Conclusion: UPPP alone is an effective treatment for mild to moderately severe obstructive sleep apnea. However, it is not effecti ve as the sole treatment for severe obstructive sleep apnea. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.