A Combined Surgical and Medical Approach in Mild Sleep Apnea

The aim of the study is to investigate wether the adjuvant (postoperative) administration of acetazolamide can improve the surgical results after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in patients with mild sleep apnea.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 5 ≤ Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) < 20
• Socially disturbing snoring: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)snoring > 6/10
• Based on clinical examination and polysomnography, patient is regarded eligible for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous surgical treatment for sleep-disordered breathing.
• Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) with arousals and other reasons possibly explaining the Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) based on Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).
• Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) < 80 % pred.
• Echocardiography: ejectionfraction < 35 % or dyastolic dysfunction grade 2 or more.