Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation(TCRF)for treatment of elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS).Methods From March 2009 to June 2010,52 elderly patients with OSAHS confirmed by polysomnography(PSG)were treated with TCRF under local anesthesia.PSG monitoring was used preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively to determine the therapeutic effect.Apnea hyponea index (AHI),the lowest blood oxygen saturation(LSaO2),sleep apnea quality of life index(SAQLI)and the Epworth sleepiness scale(ESS)were assessed before and 6 months after operation.Results All these cases were reevaluated with PSG by the end of postoperative period lasted for 6 months.Thirteen cases were cured,18 cases were significantly improved,15 cases were improved,6 cases were not improved,with a total effective rate of 88.5％(46/52).No serious complications occurred.After operation,AHI decreased from (47.8 ± 13.7)times/h to(13.5 ± 7.3)times/h,LSaO2 increased from 0.677 ± 0.095 to 0.808 ± 0.056,SAQLI increased from(3.53 ± 0.43)scores to(5.01 ± 0.22)scores and ESS scores decreased from(14.93 ± 3.13)scores to(5.33 ± 2.52)scores,all above index had significant differences(P＜ 0.01).Conclusions TCRF for elderly patients with OSAHS is effective,and can improve their health-related quality of life.This treatment is convenient,simple,minimally invasive,repeatable,without serious complications,and can be especially suitable for surgical treatment of elderly patients with mild and moderate OSAHS.