Vessel Sealing System Uvulopalatoplasty Versus Uvulopalatal Flap

Vessel Sealing System Uvulopalatoplasty vs Uvulopalatal Flap: a Randomized, Control Study of Efficacy and Adverse Effects

The purpose of this study is to compare vessel sealing system uvulopalatoplasty (VSSU) to the traditional uvulopalatal flap (UPF) in the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing with special regard to intraoperative bleeding, operative time, postoperative pain, postoperative hemorrhage and other adverse effects.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is one of the common procedures performed by otolaryngologists to treat sleep-disordered breathing patients who have retropalatal obstruction. Intraoperative bleeding is a significant problem which requires hemostasis and causes prolonged operative time. Several different techniques are used to perform this operation, including cold knife, monopolar cautery, coblation, and radiofrequency. Efficacy in hemostasis and tissue trauma from different operative techniques may result in different operative time and different degrees of morbidity including intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, postoperative hemorrhage, and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). The vessel sealing system has been widely used in head and neck surgery because of its effectiveness and safety. It was also found quite effective and safe in tonsillectomy procedures, providing excellent hemostasis and minimal tissue trauma.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient planned for uvulopalatoplasty for indications of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea
• Written informed consent form is given from patient

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• History of bleeding disorders
• Patient unable to understand evaluation method
• Patient unable to be contacted via telephone