Long-Term Results of UPPP and Coblation Channeling of the Tongue for Obstructive Sleep ApneaOA

Objective:To evaluate the long-term surgical outcomes of combined uvulopalatopharyngoplasty(UPPP)and coblation channeling of the tongue(CCT)for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea(OSA).Methods:The study enrolled patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who underwent treatment with UPPP plus CCT and had a minimal follow-up of 2 years.Postoperative clinical assessment including apnea-hypopnea index(AHI)and lowest oxygen saturation(LSAT)in Polysomnography(PSG),Epworth Sleep Scale(ESS)values in sleep questionnaires,and cephalometric variables were compared with the preoperative baseline data.Results:Thirty-six patients with complete records and follow-up were enrolled.According to the data of minimal 2 years postoperative,AHI had significantly decreased from 39.6±19.8 to 18.2±19 events/h(p<0.0001),and ESS had remarkably improved from 9.6±5.6 to 6.2±4.8(p<0.0001).Morbidity of the surgery was low,and no long-term complications occurred.Superior movement of the hyoid bone was observed on postoperative cephalometry.Conclusion:UPPP plus CCT provides a safe and long-term effective treatment for moderate-to-severe OSA with the advantages of minimal invasive and single-stage intervention.