Reduced nasal resistance after simple tonsillectomy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Seiichi Nakata, Soichiro Miyazaki, Motofumi Ohki, Mami Morinaga, Akiko Noda, Tatsuki Sugiura, Makoto Sugiura, Masaaki Teranishi, Naomi Katayama, Tsutomu Nakashima

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study zvas to investigate the effects of simple tonsillectomy on nasal resistance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Methods: Conventional tonsillectomy was performed in 20 patients who were refractory to treatment with continuous positive airway pressure. The subjects consisted of 17 men and 3 women (mean age, 32.9 ± 6.3 years). The effects of tonsillectomy were evaluated with preoperative and postoperative polysomnography and nasal resistance. Results: After tonsillectomy, nasal resistance decreased significantly from 0.39 ± 0.30 Pa/cm3 per second to 0.27 ± 0.16 Pa/cm3 per second (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the apnea-hypopnea index decreased significantly from 55.7 ± 22.5 to 21.2 ± 14.2 (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between tonsillar weight and percentage of change in bilateral nasal resistance (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The reduction in nasal resistance induced by simple tonsillectomy could play an important role in improving OSAS, as does nasal surgery or adenotomy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)192-195
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican Journal of Rhinology
Volume21
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 03-2007
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Otorhinolaryngology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Reduced nasal resistance after simple tonsillectomy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this