OBJECTIVETo compare the postoperative hemorrhage between standard uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and coblation assisted UPPP, and to evaluate the related risk factors and preventive measures.

METHODSFive hundreds and ninety seven patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) underwent UPPP and coblation assisted UPPP between January 1, 1999, and September 30, 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. Two hundred and sixty three patients with coblation assisted UPPP and 334 patients with standard UPPP were treated respectively. Single factor statistic analysis, multiple factors Logistic regress statistic analysis and Wilcoxon test method for related risk factors were applied.

RESULTSA total of 42 patients (7.0%) experienced postoperative bleeding. Among them, 24 patients with coblation assisted UPPP (9.1%) and 18 patients with UPPP (5.4%) had postoperative hemorrhage. Significant difference was not found in the degree of hemorrhage (z = 0.784, P > 0.05), hemorrhage site(χ(2) = 1.387, P > 0.05) and postoperative hemorrhage rates (χ(2) = 3.14, P > 0.05) between the two surgical techniques. Significant difference was found in the interval of hemorrhage after surgery between the two surgical techniques (χ(2) = 9.25, P < 0.01). History of hypertension, smoking, hepatic dysfunction was found to be correlated with the postoperative hemorrhage (Odd-ratio were respectively 7.326, 3.674, 2.707).

CONCLUSIONCoblation technique did not significantly increase UPPP postoperative hemorrhage.