Pharyngoplasty

Surgery is the most effective solution for snoring and apnea in selected patients. Surgical techniques have evolved thanks to DISE (drug-induced sleep endoscopy), which identifies the exact area of ​​obstruction. Multilevel surgery, which intervenes in several areas in a single operation, offers the best results. However, only the nose and up to two areas of obstruction are usually treated in a first surgery to reduce pain and morbidity. The post-operative period lasts two weeks, and it is recommended that patients be close to the site of the intervention.

Pharyngoplasty is a procedure that restructures the tissues of the pharynx to allow air to pass during sleep. Modern techniques, including radiofrequency methods, are individually planned for optimal, long-lasting results. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is the most common approach for obstructive sleep apnea, seeking to reduce health risks and improve sleep quality. A promising technique is the use of nonabsorbable polybutester sutures to suspend the soft palate, avoiding airway obstruction and offering long-lasting results with manageable complications.

The two specific messages to take home from.

1. That used in a non-absorbable barbed suture.

2. The passage of the suture through the level of the line joining the anterior pillars as seen in DISE.

The gaps in our study would be the non-availability of a sleep monitoring study in the postoperative period to objectively quantify AHI values. Furthermore, correlation of AHI and BMI with postoperative outcomes in a prospective study design could shed more light on this surgical technique. A longer follow-up would reaffirm the effectiveness of our technique

The use of non-absorbable barbed suture in our current technique in double loops across the midline has been attempted for the first time in history. It negates the risk of results fading, after absorption of the suture material by providing sustained palatal suspension. Furthermore, complete preservation of the levator and tensor palati muscles preserves movements in the superior direction, thus refuting the possibilities of the feared permanent velopharyngeal insufficiency and voice change, while providing sustained control of snoring and noise. Sleep apnea