Comparison of postoperative pain scores and dysphagia between anterior palatoplasty and uvulopalatal flap surgeries

Abstract

Background: Dysphagia and pain are most common problems after soft palate surgery in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative pain scores and presence of dysphagia in patients who underwent anterior palatoplasty (AP) or uvulopalatal flap (UPF) surgeries.Materials and methods: In this prospective study, AP or UPF was performed on the patients with mild or moderate OSA. Daytime sleepiness of all patients was evaluated with Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). Snoring, pain and dysphagia complaint of the patients was evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS).Results: In both AP and UPF groups, VAS snoring and ESS scores decreased significantly after operation. VAS pain and dysphagia scores were determined to be significantly higher in UPF compared with the AP.Conclusion and significance: Since the success rates of surgical interventions to the soft palate are similar, preferring surgical approaches with a less damage to the life quality of patients after operations is more rational. In this regard, AP, which is technically quite simple with a short operation time and fewer postoperative complaints affecting life quality such as pain or dysphagia may be preferred in selected patients with OSA.