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. 2024 May;28(2):869-875.
doi: 10.1007/s11325-023-02926-w. Epub 2023 Oct 4.

The morphometrical evaluation after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Tsutomu Nomura  1 , Tomomi Horikoshi  2 , Yuka Kitano  2 , Masato Yamada  2 , Kenji Kondo  3 , Shigeru Kikuchi  2
Affiliations

The morphometrical evaluation after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Tsutomu Nomura et al. Sleep Breath. 2024 May.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and the corresponding postoperative morphometrical changes.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome who complained of snoring and apnea were enrolled in this study. Pre- and postoperative tests, including CTs, pharyngeal volume (PV), cross-sectional area (CSA), and six-category morphometrical studies, were performed.

Results: Of 11 patients included, 10 showed improvement of symptoms. BMI correlated with the respiratory event index (REI). In terms of PV, there was a significantly wider postoperative area. The rate of change between preoperative REI and postoperative REI (ΔREI) correlated with the amount of change of PV between preoperative PV and postoperative PV (ΔPV). CSA increased postoperatively and correlated with REI. Uvula space (UV) and distance between the hyoid bone and the base of the tongue (HB) increased postoperatively, and posterior airway space (PAS) and epiglottic space (Epi) decreased postoperatively. UV and PAS were significant (p = 0.046, 0.014). UV was related to REI.

Conclusion: Widening the PV, increasing CSA, and the posterior movement of the tongue base after UPPP surgery were found. The improvement of REI did not depend only on volume. These results suggest that it was important not only to widen the PV but also to improve the shape of the pharynx.

Keywords: Morphometry; Sleep apnea syndrome; Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

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