Long-term efficacy of expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze both short-term and long-term results of the expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty surgery, which is commonly used in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and to compare it with objective and subjective methods.

Methods: Patients who underwent expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty were included in the study. Polysomnography at postoperative sixth-month, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and visual analog score of snoring (VAS) were used to assess short-term results. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and visual analog score of snoring (VAS) at postoperative third-year were used for long-term results. Sixth-month and third-year data before and after the surgery were compared. Possible complications and morbidity rates related to surgery were evaluated.

Results: Of 39 patients, OSAS was assessed as mild in 16 (41%), moderate in 14 (36%), and severe in 9 (23%). Mean age of patients was 43.2 ± 7.5, and 21 were men (54%). According to postoperative six-month PSG data, the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) values decreased significantly from 25.2 ± 8.3 to 11.6 ± 6.9/h, p=0.012. There were decreases in ESS from baseline to 6-month and 3-years from 10.4, to 4.4, and 4.4, and VAS scores changed from 8.6 to 1.6 and 1.9, p<0.05. No serious complications were observed in patients in the early and late postoperative period.

Conclusion: The expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty procedure is an important option for OSAS surgery with long-term effective results and low morbidity and complication rates.