Frequency of serious complications after surgery for snoring and sleep apnea

Conclusion: No case of death related to surgery in the form of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, uvulopalatoplasty or nasal surgery for snoring or sleep apnea has been recorded in Sweden among 4876 patients treated between 1997 and 2005. Severe complications of surgery in the peri-and postoperative period, especially in the form of bleedings and infections, were most common after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, occurring in 3.7%. Objective: To investigate the frequency of serious complications, including death, of surgery for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. Methods: All Swedish adults who were treated surgically because of snoring or sleep apnea from January 1997 to December 2005 were identified in the National Patient Register. Mortality and serious complications within 30 days from surgery were obtained from the National Cause of Death Register and the National Patient Register. Results: A total of 4876 patients were treated surgically. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty was performed in 3572 patients, uvulopalatoplasty in 929 patients, and nasal surgery in 375 patients. None of the surgically treated patients died in the peri-and postoperative period. Severe complications, mainly bleedings and infections, were recorded in 37.1 per 1000 patients treated with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, in 5.6 per 1000 patients after uvulopalatoplasty, and in 8.8 per 1000 patients after nasal surgery.