The effectiveness of tonsillectomy with laser uvulopalatoplasty in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Introduction. The frequency of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) detection in the population is progressively increasing, and the lack of clinical recommendations for otorhinolaryngologists and low compliance with PAP therapy in patients with severe and moderate OSA stimulate the search for effective surgical treatment of these patients.

The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment in patients with OSA.

Methods and materials. The article presents the results of an examination of 15 patients with OSA before and after surgical treatment in the volume of bilateral tonsillectomy with laser uvulopalatoplasty.

Results. All patients were satisfied with the results of the operation and subjectively noted a significant improvement in their well-being according to the results of the questionnaire. None of the patients complained about snoring. According to the results of the somnological control examination, AHI became less than 5 in 11 patients, and AHI decreased by more than 50 % in 4 patients. On average, the AHI decreased by 30.9. Saturation rates increased in all patients in the group, so the average saturation increased by 4 %, the minimum saturation increased by 11 % on average. There were no indications for PAP therapy or the need for it in patients in the postoperative period.

Conclusions. Performing tonsillectomy with uvulopalatoplasty in the presence of significant oropharyngeal obstruction due to palatine tonsillectomy can relieve the patient of OSA, which is confirmed by the data of somnological examination in the postoperative period.

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