Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of modified radiofrequency tissue ablation (MRFTA) with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) based on both subjective and objective outcome measures in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: Forty patients with mild to moderate OSA were randomly divided into UPPP and MRFTA groups. Evaluation was made based on the apneahypopnea index (AHI), Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), immediately before the surgery and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The postoperative AHI scores were improved significantly in both groups, although the postoperative AHI in the UPPP group was significantly lower than in the MRFTA group (P = .02). The difference between success rates for moderate OSA in UPPP and MRFTA was significant (77% versus 30%, P = .03) but there was no significant difference between success rates for mild OSA in UPPP and MRFTA groups (70% versus 50%, P = .36). Comparing postoperative ESS scores in the 2 groups showed no significant difference (P = .24). The postoperative scores in social interaction, treatment-related symptoms domain, and SAQLI total score were significantly higher in the MRFTA group. CONCLUSIONS: MRFTA as well as UPPP can greatly improve daytime sleepiness and AHI, especially in patients with mild OSA. MRFTA proved to be more effective than UPPP to enhance quality of life of patients with OSA. Further studies with longer follow-up are required to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy of these procedures. COMMENTARY: A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 1023. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial name: Comparison of RFTA (Radio-Frequency-Tissue-Ablation) and UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. URL: http://en.search.irct.ir/view/18617. Registration number: IRCT2014060910160N3.