Result Of Z-palatoplasty For Treating Severe Obstructivesleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and related factors of Z-palatoplasty for treating severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS). Methods:Thirty-two severe OSAHS patients with Friedman Ⅱ and Ⅲ oropharyngeal airway, all cases had Z-palatoplasty.Twenty-three patients with modified Mallampti Index(MMI) Ⅲ-Ⅳ had coblation tongue channeling(CTC) simultaneously.The follow up was at one year post operatively. Results:After operation, the apnea and hypopnea index(AHI) decreased from (54.74±20.38)/h to (22.72±18.36)/h; the lowest artery oxygensaturation(LSaO2) increased from (0.74±0.08) to (0.85±0.14); the Epworth sleep scale(ESS) decreased from (12.24±5.78) to (5.35±3.62); the percentage of time with oxyhemoglobin saturation below0.90(CT90) decreased from (31.48±20.15) to (15.73±12.29). All of the differences were obvious(P<0.01). According to related criterion of chinese journal of otorhinalaryngology head and neck surgery in2009, accumulative total excellencerate71.9%and accumulative valid rate84.4%. Six patients had temporary velopharyngeal insufficiency(VPI). After3months, all the patients have normal deglutition. Conclusions:Z-palatoplasty is an effective and safety surgical approach for OSAHS patients with FriedmanⅡ/Ⅲ.