To review the long term outcome of Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in a tertiary referral centre. 38 records were traced where UPPP was done from July 2000 to December 2007. 14 patients were followed up for one to seven years where the Epworth sleepiness scale was scored, long term side effects documented and post operative muller's manoeuvre done. Success of UPPP is defined as a reduction in apnoea hypopnea index (AHI) more than 50%. Sixty percent (60%) were successfully treated with UPPP in the long term. Mean ESS was significantly reduced from 12 +/- 6 to 7 +/- 4. 11 out of 14 patients (78.5%) were reported to develop long term side effects of UPPP, the highest being velopharyngeal insufficiency (42.8%). In conclusion, UPPP is effective in improving symptoms of OSA in the long term. However, in view of its side effects, uvula preserving surgery should be considered as a surgical option.
Mucosal haemangiomas are unusual and typically involve frequently traumatised areas such as the lip, buccal mucosa and lateral borders of the tongue. Uvular haemangioma is rare and to our knowledge, has never been reported to cause obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). We report an unusual case of uvular haemangioma causing loud habitual snoring and symptoms suggestive of OSA. This case report illustrates a rare cause of OSA and demonstrates the efficacy of surgery for obvious obstructive lesions of the pharynx.