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Long‐term evaluation of satisfaction and side effects after modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
Author(s) -
Friberg Danielle,
Sundman Joar,
Browaldh Nanna
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.27917
Subject(s) - medicine , uvulopalatopharyngoplasty , obstructive sleep apnea , body mass index , patient satisfaction , side effect (computer science) , swallowing , apnea , sleep apnea , epworth sleepiness scale , physical therapy , prospective cohort study , surgery , anesthesia , polysomnography , computer science , programming language
Objectives/Hypothesis We have previously shown that modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is effective to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and that the effect is stable after 24 months. This continuous report includes questionnaires and phone interviews. Study Design Prospective intervention study. Methods Sixty‐five patients with apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) score ≥ 15, body mass index <36 kg/m 2 , and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score ≥ 8 underwent modified UPPP after failing nonsurgical treatment. The results from a patient questionnaire at 6 and 24 months after surgery were correlated with age, body mass index, and ESS and AHI scores. Patients reporting side effects and/or regretting the surgery after 24 months were selected for phone interviews 9 years after surgery. Results The response rate was 80% and 74% at the 6‐ and 24‐month follow‐ups, respectively. Of those who responded to the questionnaire, 96% and 83% were satisfied after 6 and 24 months, respectively; 98% and 92% recommended the surgery. Side effects (globus, mucus, and voice and swallowing disorders) occurred in 38% and 31%, respectively. Dissatisfaction correlated significantly with high postoperative AHI and ESS scores, but not with occurrence of side effects. Younger subjects had a higher rate of recommendation and lower rate of side effects than did older subjects. Phone interviews after 9 years were responded to by 14 of 16 selected patients, and the responders reported minor or no side effects. Conclusions The vast majority of the OSA patients were satisfied 24 months after surgery, even though a third of them were experiencing side effects. Younger patients had fewer side effects than did older patients. Patients with better OSA outcomes were also more satisfied. After 9 years the side effects were no longer problematic. Level of Evidence 2b Laryngoscope , 130:263–268, 2020