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Sleep Breath 2004; 8(1): 49-55
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-822853
CASE REPORT

Published by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Resolution of Severe Sleep-Disordered Breathing with a Nasopharyngeal Obturator in 2 Cases of Nasopharyngeal Stenosis Complicating Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Alan DeAngelo1 , 2 , Vincent Mysliwiec1 , 2
  • 1Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
  • 2Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2004 (online)

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Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is characterized by episodic decrements in airflow due to upper airway obstruction. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a potential therapy for OSAHS. Nasopharyngeal stenosis is a rare complication of UPPP that worsens OSAHS. We report two patients referred for OSAHS worsened by nasopharyngeal stenosis complicating UPPP. Both patients were treated with carbon dioxide laser release of adhesions and placement of a nasopharyngeal obturator. Follow-up polysomnograms demonstrated resolution of OSAHS correlating with subjective resolution of symptoms. Nasopharyngeal stenosis complicating UPPP can be successfully treated with scar removal and nasopharyngeal stenting. Polysomnographic demonstration of the effectiveness of this therapy has not previously been reported. Future questions include duration of nasopharyngeal stenting and timing of follow-up polysomnography.

KEYWORDS

Nasopharyngeal obturator - nasopharyngeal stenosis - obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome - polysomnogram uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

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Alan DeAngeloM.D. 

Pulmonary Service, Brooke Army Medical Center

Fort Sam Houston

TX 78234

Email: alan.deangelo@amedd.army.mil