Long-term effects of radiofrequency ablation of the soft palate on snoring

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate short-and long-term effects of radiofrequency treatment of the soft palate on snoring. Twenty-nine patients with habitual snoring were studied prospectively and treated up to four times at 4-6 week intervals with an Ellman Surgitrone ®. Electromyography (EMG) of m. palatoglossus was performed in ten patients. Patients and partners evaluated snoring, sleep quality and daytime sleepiness 1 week preoperatively, 6 months and 3-4 years postoperatively. Snoring was reduced postoperatively (P < 0.0001). Sleep time increased, daytime sleepiness was reduced, and the partners slept better after 6 months. However, 3-4 years postoperatively only 25% of patients were satisfied. Another 25% had received additional treatment. EMG was normal in 6/10 patients preoperatively. They all continued to snore postoperatively. Four patients had pathological EMGs; three were responders. In conclusion, radiofrequency treatment for snoring may lead to long-term improvement in one out of four cases. Pre-evaluation with EMG may predict the outcome.

Histological Effects of Er:YAG Laser Irradiation with Snoring Handpiece in the Rat Soft Palate

“…Baisch et al 15 used combined radiofrequencyassisted uvulopalatoplasty and reported that it was effective in the treatment of snoring at short-term follow-up, but longterm efficacy was unknown. Hultcrantz et al 16 later compared the short-and long-term effect of radiofrequency on management of snoring. They reported that radiofrequency was not as effective as classical uvulopalatoplasty and only 28% of the treated patients were cured after 3-4 years.…”

“…3,4 Er:YAG laser irradiation, in contrast, is reported to be a noninvasive and more effective method available for treating snoring. 12,16 The method uses Er:YAG laser energy that causes contraction of the collagen fibers and provides opening of the airway, which decreases snoring with a 90% success rate. 12,17 No side effects are reported after Er:YAG laser irradiation in the treatment of snoring.…”

Limited long‐term outcome of single‐session soft palate interstitial radiofrequency surgery for habitual snoring in tertiary care academic referral centre: Our experience on 77 patients

“…They included patients with mild OSA and repeated treatment sessions were allowed. Long‐term improvement was encountered in 25% of the cases . De Vito et al .…”

“…Good initial results have been documented for other types of velopharyngeal surgery, but their efficacy decreases over time . Only a few reports assess the long‐term effects of SPIRFS, but they include patients with mild obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), or additional surgery was allowed primarily . Our aim was to evaluate the long‐term outcome of single‐session SPIRFS for patients with habitual snoring.…”

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, and otolaryngology: review of the evidence

“…Once again, the limitations of subjective assessment and lack of long-term outcomes preclude useful conclusions from this review. Prospective studies looking at longer-term outcomes showed between 25 per cent 30 and 37 per cent 31 success rates long-term (follow up was 20 months and 3 years respectively). Although radiofrequency ablation is relatively safe and easy to carry out, patients must be informed regarding the uncertainty of long-term outcomes.…”