OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and reliability of genioglossus advancement and hyoid suspension with non-trephine technic (GAHM) and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for surgical obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome treatment.

METHODSTwenty-six patients (4 female and 22 male) were classified as moderate and severe cases in terms of apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and Friedman classification in the present study. All cases patients underwent genioglossus advancement and hyoid suspension with non-trephine technic Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty UPPP. Pre- and postoperative polysomnography and Epworth sleepiness scale were performed to assess the therapeutic outcomes.

RESULTSThe whole operation time ranged from 120-180 minutes. The average amount of bleeding in genioglossus advancement was about 50-100 ml. There were no severe complications during and after the operation. All the cases were followed up to one year. After surgery, AHI was decreased in both group cases, (42.9 +/- 6.6 vs 16.2 +/- 5.7) in the severe group, and 21.3 +/- 4.4 vs 11.3 +/- 5.2 (x(-) +/- s) in the moderate group. With success defined as AHI decreased by more than 50 per cent after surgery, the total success rate in moderate and severe group was 83.3% and 91.7%, respectively (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the success rate of the moderate group was higher than those of the severe group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONGAHM combined with UPPP may be beneficial for the moderate and severe OSAHS patients with oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal obstruction.