The nasopharyngeal tube: a simple and effective tool to indicate the need for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

Abstract

To compare polysomnography (PSG) data after nasopharyngeal tube (NPT) insertion and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), and explore the possibility of predicting UPPP outcomes with NPT-PSG. Prospective nonrandomized study. PSG was performed after NPT insertion in 73 inpatients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). All patients accepted UPPP surgery. PSG was repeated after 12 months of UPPP to assess curative effects. Data were then compared to correlate NPT-PSG with the efficacy of UPPP. NPT insertion decreased the overall apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and increased the lowest oxygen saturation (LaSO2 ). NPT-PSG results correlated well with surgical outcomes 12 months post-UPPP. The correlation coefficient for AHI and LaSO2 were 0.571 (P < .001) and 0.268 (P = .033), respectively. Next, enrolled patients were divided into two groups based on NPT-PSG results: group A, AHI <15 times/hr, 50 cases; group B, AHI ≥15 times/hr, 23 cases. The UPPP surgery success rates of the two groups were 86.0% and 39.1%, respectively. NPT-PSG data are closely correlated with UPPP efficacy and may assist in the selection of appropriate OSAHS patients for UPPP. An AHI ≥15 times/hr after NPT insertion indicates glossopharyngeal obstruction and suggests the need for appropriate intervention. 4.