Efficacy of Snoreplasty in the Soft Palate as a Treatment of Mild OSAS: A Pilot Study

Abstract

In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) surgical treatment is discussed controversially. Minimal invasive treatments are favored by the patients. Having shown the efficacy of Pillar Palatal Implant Systems (made of polyethylentherephthalate) in the treatment of primary snoring, the aim of our study was to assess their effectiveness in the treatment of mild to moderate OSA.Methods: Overweight patients (n ϭ 10; BMI 26.5 Ϯ 2.2 kg/m 2 ; age, 49 Ϯ 8.6 years) with mild to moderate OSA were included in our prospective study. Objective (polysomnography) and subjective (daytime sleepiness, snoring, pain, taste, and speech) data were assessed pre-and postoperatively. Three implants were inserted into the soft palate under local anesthesia. The postoperative exam was performed after 3 months.Results: There were no complications during surgery. Snoring was reduced in the Visual Analogue Scale from 8.5 Ϯ 1.8 to 3.8 Ϯ 2.3 (P Ͻ 0.01), the Apnea-Hypopnea-Index went down from 18.4/h Ϯ 4.4 to 11.1/h Ϯ 13.0 (P Ͼ 0.05). Speech, swallowing, and taste remained unchanged. Conclusion:The new Pillar Palatal Implant System is a safe and secure method to reduce snoring. Short time results show no significant changes in the Apnea-Hypopnea-Index. Detailed analysis of long-term results remains to be carried out.Significance: The Pillar Palatal Implant System is a simple procedure with impact on snoring. We hope that long-term results might show a decrease in the Apnea-Hypopnea-Index.