Combined bipolar radiofrequency surgery of the tongue base and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of combined bipolar radiofrequency surgery of the tongue base (RFBT) and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in a single session for obstructive sleep apnea and whether this combination is safe and well tolerated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-nine patients with obstructive sleep apnea and both palatal and retroglossal obstruction underwent UPPP with bipolar RFBT. The control group consisted of 35 patients treated by UPPP alone. RESULTS: The apnea-hypopnea index significantly decreased from 28.7 to 14.1. The oxygen desaturation index decreased from 15.1 to 10.3. Mean oxygen saturation was unchanged. Subjectively, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale was significantly improved from 10.6 to 7.3, and the snoring level decreased from 8.4 to 6.0. The overall treatment success rate increased from 41.9% for UPPP alone to 51.7% for UPPP + RFBT. No serious adverse events occurred. Two patients had postoperative bleeding from the tonsillar bed after UPPP. Four patients had ulceration of the base of the tongue after RFBT with spontaneous cure. One patient had a taste change in half of the tongue that resolved within two months. CONCLUSIONS: Combined bipolar RFBT and UPPP in a single session is well tolerated and safe surgery in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. It is effective in reducing respiratory parameters and subjective symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Further advantages are a single session, simple feasibility, bipolar technique and short time of the procedure.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In 79 patients treated with UPPP plus bipolar radiofrequency surgery of the tongue base, AHI decreased from 28.7 to 14.1 and ODI decreased from 15.1 to 10.3; mean oxygen saturation was unchanged. Subjective measures improved (ESS 10.6 to 7.3; snoring 8.4 to 6.0), and the reported overall treatment success rate was higher for UPPP+RFBT (51.7%) than UPPP alone (41.9%). No serious adverse events were reported; complications included postoperative bleeding (2 patients), tongue base ulceration after RFBT (4 patients, resolved spontaneously), and transient taste change (1 patient, resolved within two months).

Outcomes measured

• Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)
• Oxygen desaturation index (ODI)
• Mean oxygen saturation
• Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)
• Snoring level
• Treatment success rate
• Adverse events (postoperative bleeding, tongue base ulceration, taste change)

{
    "study_type": "other",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "medical/surgical device (bipolar radiofrequency surgery)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Patients with obstructive sleep apnea with both palatal and retroglossal obstruction",
    "sample_size": 114,
    "outcomes": [
        "Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)",
        "Oxygen desaturation index (ODI)",
        "Mean oxygen saturation",
        "Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)",
        "Snoring level",
        "Treatment success rate",
        "Adverse events (postoperative bleeding, tongue base ulceration, taste change)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In 79 patients treated with UPPP plus bipolar radiofrequency surgery of the tongue base, AHI decreased from 28.7 to 14.1 and ODI decreased from 15.1 to 10.3; mean oxygen saturation was unchanged. Subjective measures improved (ESS 10.6 to 7.3; snoring 8.4 to 6.0), and the reported overall treatment success rate was higher for UPPP+RFBT (51.7%) than UPPP alone (41.9%). No serious adverse events were reported; complications included postoperative bleeding (2 patients), tongue base ulceration after RFBT (4 patients, resolved spontaneously), and transient taste change (1 patient, resolved within two months).",
    "effect_direction": "benefit",
    "limitations": [],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "obstructive sleep apnea",
        "uvulopalatopharyngoplasty",
        "UPPP",
        "bipolar radiofrequency surgery",
        "tongue base",
        "RFBT",
        "apnea-hypopnea index",
        "oxygen desaturation index",
        "Epworth Sleepiness Scale",
        "snoring",
        "safety",
        "adverse events"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

Comments

Log in to comment.

No comments yet.