Single versus double suspension sutures for selected cases of obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

ObjectiveTo compare the results of expansion pharyngoplasty using bilateral single palatal suspension sutures (SSS) versus double suspension sutures (DSS) for the treatment of selected cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with retropalatal collapse. MethodsPatients were randomly categorized into two groups: the first group for whom bilateral SSS were performed and a second group for whom bilateral DSS were done. Snoring on the basis of the visual analog scale (VAS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), apnea hypopnea index (AHI), lowest O2 saturation were assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively in all patients. ResultsDSS provided significantly more retroplatal space (p = 0.0137) and less snoring score (p = 0.0005). While no significance difference between SSS and DSS as regard inter pillar distance (p = 0.0985), AHI (p = 0.1677), ESS (p = 0.4094), and lowest O2 saturation (p = 0.0839). ConclusionBoth SSS and DSS are simple, rapid, bloodless and effective procedures for treating OSA (in patients with retropalatal collapse) with no temporary or persistent postoperative complications. Adding the second suture in DSS could significantly enlarge more retropalatal space and reduce more snoring scale than SSS.