Single-stage CO2 laser assisted uvuloplasty for treatment of snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnoea

Traditional uvulectomy; practice and belief among Sudanese children in Khartoum hospitals: A multi-center cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Traditional healing practices are common in Sub-Saharan Africa. Traditional uvulectomy (TU) is the removal of the uvula with a sharp curved knife and is often practised in children under five years old. This practice is believed to have a therapeutic effect on children suffering from sore throat, vomiting or difficulty breastfeeding.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe the practice of traditional uvulectomy and Sudanese mothers' perception of it.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven teaching hospitals across Khartoum State. We interviewed 385 mothers of children who presented to pediatric units using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study period spanned from July 2022-February 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 385 mothers of children under five participated in this study. 33 % of mothers believed in the practice of traditional uvulectomy, yet only 17.9 % of children under five years had undergone TU. Reasons for performing TU included persistent cough (36.9 %), vomiting (33 %), difficulty in breastfeeding (22.6 %) and TU being a family tradition (25.7 %). Factors significantly associated with these practices were the mother's age, her level of education and the family's regional origin. Mothers reported that no major complications to the children were perceived as a result of the TU procedure.

CONCLUSION

The practice of TU is prevalent among children who present to hospitals seeking medical advice. More than one-third of mothers had misconceptions regarding the uvula. Health education campaigns targeting females of childbearing age, and health practitioners at primary health centres and hospitals must raise awareness related to this practice.

Combined open rhinoplasty with spreader grafts and laser-assisted uvuloplasty for sleep-disordered breathing: long-term subjective outcomes

PURPOSE

To subjectively assess the long-term outcomes of combined functional open rhinoplasty with spreader grafts and laser-assisted uvuloplasty (LAUP) for polysomnogram (PSG)-confirmed sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

METHODS

Postoperative Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaires were given to 30 patients and compared with preoperative ESS. Patients were also asked questions concerning postoperative improvement in upper airway breathing, nasal appearance, and snoring. Statistical analysis used 2-tailed parametric and nonparametric tests.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (average age 55 years) with an average (+/- standard deviation) preoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 37 +/- 27 and mean follow-up times of 21 months were evaluated. A statistically significant 50% (P < .001) postoperative decrease in average ESS was observed. Patients with severe (AHI > 30) and very severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (AHI > 60) also had statistically significant (61% and 66%, respectively, P < .001) postoperative decreases in average ESS. In all patients, subjective upper airway breathing was statistically improved (P < .008), graded as significantly in 47% and moderately in 33% of patients. According to the patient's bed partner, snoring was improved and/or decreased in 76% of patients (P = .008). All patients were satisfied with the postoperative cosmetic appearance of their nose (P < .0001). Finally, 90% of patients stated that they would have the procedure again (P = .009) and 90% stated that they would recommend the procedure to a friend or relative with the same condition (P = .009).

CONCLUSION

Subjective assessment at long-term follow-up for combined open rhinoplasty with spreader grafts and LAUP for PSG-confirmed SDB produced a statistically significant decrease in excessive daytime sleepiness, even in patients with very high AHI, with high patient satisfaction.

Hemodynamics and oxygen saturation during intravenous sedation for office-based laser-assisted uvuloplasty

PURPOSE

Patients undergoing office-based laser-assisted uvuloplasty (LAUP) for snoring or mild obstructive sleep apnea are generally obese and have a high Mallampati score. Because avoidance of supplemental oxygen during laser procedures is generally mandated, the potential for intraoperative desaturation is high. This study was designed to look at intraoperative hemodynamic changes, respiration patterns, and oxygen saturations during intravenous sedation with midazolam and fentanyl during LAUP procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective anesthesia chart review of 15 consecutive patients undergoing midazolam/fentanyl intravenous sedation for office-based LAUP treatment for snoring and/or mild obstructive sleep apnea. Data recorded were noninvasive baseline and intraoperative hemodynamic measurements at 5-minute intervals for systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse pressure (PP), pulse (P), and rate-pressure product (RPP). Data collected were reported as mean values with standard deviation. Statistical analysis using the Student's t test was performed and found significant for P<.05.

RESULTS

All changes from baseline were statistically insignificant, SBP (P=.4), DBP (P=.2), MAP (P=.2), P (P=.1), PP (P=.9), RPP (P=.5), RR (P=.9), and SpO2 (P=.4), and all within +/-20% of baseline (range, -5.0% to +7.5%).

CONCLUSION

Midazolam and fentanyl intravenous sedation with local anesthesia maintained intraoperative hemodynamic and oxygenation variables close to baseline for office-based LAUP procedures.