Retrospective study of lateral pharyngoplasty for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy and postoperative reaction of lateral pharyngoplasty combined with Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.

Methods: A total of 127 obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome patients presenting with pharyngeal ring hypertrophy or lateral pharyngeal wall hypertrophy were included in this study. Among these, 63 patients in the case group underwent pharyngoplasty combined with Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), while 64 patients in the control group underwent UPPP alone. The team collected the objective data from polysomnography (PSG) and subjective patient evaluations and statistically compared preoperatively and six months postoperatively.

Results: In both groups, the mean age was 41.22±11.54years old (19-78 years), and the average BMI was 27.21±2.79kg/m2(21.22-34.99kg/m2). After surgery, the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) in the case group decreased from 50.18±21.48 to 22.57±17.34, while the Lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2) increased from (71.05±13.37) % to (75.98±10.76) %. The success rate was 74,6 % for the case group compared to 40.6 % for the control group. The pharyngeal cavity was significantly enlarged after the operation, with no serious complications reported.

Conclusions: In this study, lateral pharyngeal wall hypertrophy was treated by lateral pharyngoplasty concurrently with UPPP to enhance surgical outcomes further and prevent long-term recurrence. Postoperative symptoms were found to be acceptable, with no serious complications reported.