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Technical update of barbed pharyngoplasty for retropalatal obstruction in obstructive sleep apnoea

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2019

M A Babademez ,
F Gul ,
H Kale  and
M Sancak
M A Babademez
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yıldırım Beyazıt University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
F Gul*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yıldırım Beyazıt University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
H Kale
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sami Ulus Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
M Sancak
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yıldırım Beyazıt University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Fatih Gul, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yıldırım Beyazıt University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey E-mail: drfatihgul@gmail.com Fax: +90 3122 912 786
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Abstract

Background

Barbed pharyngoplasty aims to reduce lateral retropalatal obstruction by pulling up the soft palate anterolaterally. However, barbed pharyngoplasty can be less efficient in some cases of obstructive sleep apnoea, especially in the presence of an elongated uvula with redundant tissues over it. This paper describes an attempt to overcome this drawback by modifying barbed pharyngoplasty, using a single continuous suture technique.

Methods

Thirty-four patients were assigned to two groups based on the surgical procedure performed. Those with an elongated uvula were treated with modified barbed pharyngoplasty (n = 17); the others were treated with barbed pharyngoplasty (n = 17). Pre- and post-operative quality of life questionnaires, and questionnaires concerning diet, pain and return to activity, were completed. Pre- and post-operative polysomnography was performed as an objective measurement.

Results

There was no significant difference between barbed pharyngoplasty and modified barbed pharyngoplasty in terms of outcomes. However, reductions in the apnoea/hypopnea index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and snoring visual analogue scale scores were greater in the modified barbed pharyngoplasty group.

Conclusion

Modified barbed pharyngoplasty is a safe and feasible method, and eliminates the need for surgical resection of the redundant soft tissues around the uvula while lifting up the uvula base.

Keywords

Obstructive Sleep ApneaSurgeryPharynx

Information

Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 133 , Issue 7 , July 2019 , pp. 622 - 626
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited, 2019 

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Footnotes

Dr F Gul takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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