Long‐Term Results of UPPP and Coblation Channeling of the Tongue for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the long‐term surgical outcomes of combined uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and coblation channeling of the tongue (CCT) for moderate‐to‐severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods The study enrolled patients with moderate‐to‐severe OSA who underwent treatment with UPPP plus CCT and had a minimal follow‐up of 2 years. Postoperative clinical assessment including apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) and lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) in Polysomnography (PSG), Epworth Sleep Scale (ESS) values in sleep questionnaires, and cephalometric variables were compared with the preoperative baseline data. Results Thirty‐six patients with complete records and follow‐up were enrolled. According to the data of minimal 2 years postoperative, AHI had significantly decreased from 39.6 ± 19.8 to 18.2 ± 19 events/h ( p < 0.0001), and ESS had remarkably improved from 9.6 ± 5.6 to 6.2 ± 4.8 ( p < 0.0001). Morbidity of the surgery was low, and no long‐term complications occurred. Superior movement of the hyoid bone was observed on postoperative cephalometry. Conclusion UPPP plus CCT provides a safe and long‐term effective treatment for moderate‐to‐severe OSA with the advantages of minimal invasive and single‐stage intervention.