[Comparison of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy, side effects, and effects on parameters of sleep of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) therapy in OSAS and evaluate their role in the treatment of OSAS. METHOD: 60 patients with OSAS were studied, 36 patients treated with CPAP, 24 patients with UPPP, and the parameters of polysomnography (PSG) obtained before and after treatment were analysed. RESULT: Respiratory disturbance index and sleep hypoxemia were improved significantly in both groups, but the CPAP group was better than UPPP group (P < 0.01). The efficacy was 97% in CPAP and 46% in UPPP group (P < 0.01). The longest apnea duration shortened in CPAP group (from 89 +/- 46 to 39 +/- 19) but there was no difference in UPPP (from 76 +/- 26 to 62 +/- 30) group. The apnea duration in 10 patients was lengthened. CONCLUSION: The effects of UPPP in OSAS were limited. CPAP was more effective than UPPP. CPAP may be indicated as the first choice in the treatment of OSAS.