A protocol for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, mortised genioplasty, and maxillomandibular advancement in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: an analysis of 40 cases.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) with mortised genioplasty and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) for the treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea not controllable with appliances or continuous positive airway pressure.

METHODS: Forty patients with obstructive sleep apnea were evaluated retrospectively. Thirty-three patients underwent combined UPPP and a modified mortised genioglossus advancement. Patients who had specific indications for MMA underwent combined procedures, eliminating staging of multiple surgeries. Seven patients were in this group. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with polysomnography to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment.

RESULTS: Mean respiratory distress indices (RDI) and nadir oxyhemoglobin desaturation values were significantly improved with each of the therapies despite many patients having body mass indices significantly greater than the average quoted in other studies. Patients with moderate sleep apnea (RDI, 21 to 40) who underwent UPPP/genioglossus advancement did very well, with 86% of patients achieving success. Patients who underwent MMA all decreased their RDI by at least 56% and had an average improvement of 86%.

CONCLUSIONS: The UPPP/mortised genioglossus advancement is effective for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Maxillomandibular advancement is effective for treating severe sleep apnea and may, in some cases, be indicated in combination with UPPP/mortised genioglossus advancement to avoid multiple procedures. Surgical reconstruction of the upper airway is a reasonable approach to the treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea, and can be approached more directly to minimize repeated surgical intervention.