Prospective multicentre study on barbed reposition pharyngoplasty standing alone or as a part of multilevel surgery for sleep apnoea

Objectives The aim of this study was to demonstrate in a prospective multi-centre study that Barbed Reposition Pharyngoplasty (BRP) procedure is safe and effective in management of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients. Design prospective study. Setting multicenter study. Participants patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Main outcomes measures values of post-operative apnea-hypopnea index(AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). Results 111 BRP procedures standing alone or as a part of multilevel surgery for OSAHS, performed between January and September 2016, were analyzed in 15 different centers. The average hospitalization period was 2.5 ± 0.5 days. The mean patient age was 46.3 ± 10.5 years. The average BMI at the time of the procedure was 27.9 ± 3.2 and the majority of the patients were men (83%). The mean pre-operative and post-operative apnea/hypopnea index was 33.4 ± 19.5 and 13.5 ± 10.3, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean pre-operative and post-operative epworth sleepiness scale score was 10.2 ± 4.5 and 6.1 ± 3.6, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean pre- and post-operative oxygen desaturation index was 29.6 ± 20.7 and 12.7 ± 10.8, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions Patients undergoing BRP standing alone or as part of a multilevel approach for the treatment of OSAHS have a reasonable expectation for success with minimal morbidity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.