[Treatment efficacy of preservation of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty by using microwave].

Objective: To study the effect of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) by using microwave on obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) with Velo-pharyngeal obstruction.

Method: Sixty-one cases who were diagnosed as OSAHS with Velo-pharyngeal obstruction were performed UPPP by using microwave, among which 9 cases received microwave palatopharyngoplasty only. Thirty-six cases underwent bilateral palatine tonsillectomy and another 16 cases underwent bilateral palatine tonsillectomy and tongue base microwave ablation apart from microwave pharyngoplasty.

Result: Two weeks after operation, the preserved uvula began to contract. Three months after operation, the uvula contracted to be normal length and the anatomical shape. The pharyngeal cavity was preserved. No case appeared velopalatal insufficiency. Twenty-one patients felt foreign body in pharyngeal portion, which disappeared after 2-5 months. According to the evaluation standards set in Hangzhou Conference, follow-up was carried out after 6 months. It was found that 13 cases (21.31%) were cured, 32 (52.46%) appeared significant effect, 12 (19.67%) appeared effect and 4 (6.56%) appeared no effect with a total effect rate of 93.44%.

Conclusion: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty by using microwave needs less time less hemorrhage and good effects.