Vessel Sealing System Uvulopalatoplasty Versus Uvulopalatal Flap
Vessel Sealing System Uvulopalatoplasty Versus Uvulopalatal Flap
The purpose of this study is to compare vessel sealing system uvulopalatoplasty (VSSU) to the
 traditional uvulopalatal flap (UPF) in the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing with
 special regard to intraoperative bleeding, operative time, postoperative pain, postoperative
 hemorrhage and other adverse effects.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is one of the common procedures performed by otolaryngologists to
 treat sleep-disordered breathing patients who have retropalatal obstruction. Intraoperative
 bleeding is a significant problem which requires hemostasis and causes prolonged operative
 time. Several different techniques are used to perform this operation, including cold knife,
 monopolar cautery, coblation, and radiofrequency. Efficacy in hemostasis and tissue trauma
 from different operative techniques may result in different operative time and different
 degrees of morbidity including intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, postoperative
 hemorrhage, and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). The vessel sealing system has been widely
 used in head and neck surgery because of its effectiveness and safety. It was also found
 quite effective and safe in tonsillectomy procedures, providing excellent hemostasis and
 minimal tissue trauma.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patient planned for uvulopalatoplasty for indications of snoring or obstructive sleep
 apnea

 -  Written informed consent form is given from patient

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Pregnancy

 -  History of bleeding disorders

 -  Patient unable to understand evaluation method

 -  Patient unable to be contacted via telephone