Gustatory Function after Radiofrequency Tongue Base Reduction in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Objectives. To investigate the changes in gustatory function as a complication after radiofrequency tongue base reduction (RTBR) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Study Design. Before-and-after study. Setting. Academic tertiary medical center. Subjects and Methods. Thirty-four patients with suspected velopharyngeal collapse only underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP group). Twenty-five patients with velopharyngeal and retrolingual collapse underwent concurrent UPPP with RTBR (RTBR group). All patients were evaluated before surgery and at 1 and 4 weeks after surgical treatment. A questionnaire was given to assess symptoms of hypogeusia, dysgeusia, hyposmia, and sensation of the tongue. Electrogustometry (EGM) in 4 areas was used to determine gustatory function. Results. Postoperative values for subjective symptoms did not significantly change following surgical treatment in either group. EGM thresholds of all tested in both groups did not significantly change 1 week and 4 weeks after surgery. Conclusions. Gustatory function remained unchanged after RTBR in patients with OSA. The authors suggest that RTBR is a safe procedure in terms of taste sensation in OSA patients.