Surgical Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract

Ten patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) were treated surgically: Adenotonsillectomy for seven children and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for three adults. Several respiratory and sleep parameters were evaluated by polysomunography (PSG). 1. The clinical symptoms of loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness were completely relieved in all ten patients. 2. Sleep apnea and the quality of sleep were significantly improved following adenotonsillectomy in all seven children. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids appear to be the major cause of OSAS in children. 3. In the adults, sleep apnea and the quality of sleep were also improved following UPPP. However, there was considerable variation in the degrees of response. These therapeutic results indicate that OSAS in adults remains a complicated problem. © 1992, The Society of Practical Otolaryngology. All rights reserved.