Abstract:

Objective　By studying the anatomy of palate and tongue to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Coblation-assisting Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty（H-UPPP）combining radiofrequency ablation of the  tongue in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea-hyponea syndrome（OSAHS）.　Methods　82 adult patients with severe OSAHS had the narrow path in the oropharynx and lingual root. All patients underwent the examinations of polysomnography(PSG), magnetic resonance image(MRI) and fibrolaryngoscopy combinged with Muller's maneuver(FEMM). These patients were treated with H-UPPP combining radiofrequency ablation of the tongue to decrease the size of soft palate and the tongue. They were involved in the study and the apneahyponea index (AHI) was beyond 50/h and lowest arterial oxygen saturation (LSaO2) was under 80%. All patients were followed up for 6 to 12 months and underwent monitoring of PSG, electrocardiograph, blood pressure, blood sugar and blood fat.　Results　The Comparisonthe clinical data showed that 86.9% of the operated patients improved 6 months after the operation, 80.2% of the operated patients improves 12 months after the operation and the subjective symptoms of all patients were improved. AHI values were reduced significantly (P<0.01) and the lowest oxygen saturations increased significantly (P<0.05).   Conclusions   Profound knowledge of the anatomy of palate and tongue can facilate treatment of severe OSAHS by H-UPPP and combining radiofrequency ablation of the tongue , which is one of the safe and  effective surgical methods. It is minimally invasive, resulting in less blood loss, less damage and less operative complications. It should be promoted prevalently.

Key words: Sleep apnea, Obstructive, Tongue, Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, Radiofrequency ablation