Comparison of Posterior Pharyngeal Airway Space at Sitting and Supine Positions in the PACU after Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Background: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is one of the most common treatments for patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) who suffer from repetitive apnea and oxygen desaturation during sleep. It is important to properly manage the patient's airway in the PACU after surgery in order to prevent potential airway-related postoperative complications. Methods: 20 patient cases of ASA I or II who were over 20 years old and had undergone UPPP under general anesthesia were reviewed. In PACU, Posteri or pharyngeal airway space (PAS) was measured on a lateral cranial radiograph at both supine and sitting positions and the blood pressure and oxygen saturation were measured. Results: PAS significantly increased in the sitting position (avg. 11.7 mm in supine, 15.7 mm in sitting, P ＜ 0.05) but there was no influence on the blood pressure or oxygen saturation. Conclusions: PAS is associated with the patency of the airway and the increase of PAS in patients in the sitting position while in the PACU is helpful to airway management following UPPP. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2008; 54: 180∼4)