Preservation Palatopharyngoplasty for Obstructive Sleep Apnea With High Modified Mallampati Scores: Clinical and Polysomnographic Outcomes

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to describe and evaluate clinical and polysomnographic outcomes of the preservation palatopharyngoplasty procedure, which preserves pharyngeal mucosa and muscles, in patients with obstructive sleep apnea with high modified Mallampati scores (3 or 4). Study Design: A retrospective chart review. Setting: A tertiary medical center. Methods: A total of 23 patients who underwent preservation palatopharyngoplasty between November 2022 and May 2024 were included. Outcomes measured were apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores, and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale scores pre- and postsurgery. Data were analyzed using unpaired or paired t-tests, and statistical significance was set at P