Use of Glubran 2 in uvulopalatoplasty, an alternative to sutures to improve surgical outcome

Uvulopalatoplasty is one of the most common surgeries for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The usual way of approximating the edges of the soft palate is the use of sutures, which influences the quality of healing and the severity of postoperative pain. To present our experience in using the tissue glue “N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Glubran 2)” in uvulopalatoplasty and its effect on the operative technique and postoperative results. Between January 2009 and February 2011, 54 patients fitting certain preoperative criteria were treated with this technique and with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was used in uvulopalatoplasty for the treatment of snoring. The main outcome measures were the stability of soft palatal tissues to which the glue was applied, the degree of postoperative pain in comparison with the use of sutures, the morphology of the newly formed soft palate, and postoperative side effects and complications. The technique for the use of surgical glue is described in detail. Fifty-four patients completed the study. Complete healing of the edge of the newly formed soft palate without displacement or delayed postoperative palatal fibrosis was achieved with the use of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Postoperative pain was significantly reduced with the use of surgical glue. N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Glubran 2) is an effective alternative for surgical sutures in uvulopalatoplasty. As compared to sutures, this tissue glue had the advantages of achieving better surgical outcomes.