Medium-term outcome of palatal surgery for snoring using the Somnus™ unit

Abstract

The aim of this study was to retrospectively survey patients who had undergone radiofrequency ablation of the soft palate for snoring complaints. Fifty-nine patients who had undergone radiofrequency ablation were sent an anonymous questionnaire to assess snoring (using visual analogue scales), pain and satisfaction with the procedure. Sixty-one per cent of the group returned the questionnaire. The mean time since operation was 17.5 months. Taking an improvement in snoring of 50 per cent or greater as a successful operation, snoring improvement occurred in 22 per cent. Post-operative pain was minimal with a median pain score of zero. Information was requested on whether the patient would undergo this procedure again, 50 per cent responded that they would and 44 per cent would advise a friend in the same situation to have this procedure. Radiofrequency ablation of the soft palate, as in other forms of surgery for snoring, seems to have a relapse rate over the long-term.

Radiofrequency Surgery of the Soft Palate in the Treatment of Snoring: a Review of the Literature

“…Follow-up periods were usually 6 to 8 weeks, but especially retrospective trials had a significantly longer follow-up time (2-18 months). 20,22,23 Concerning postoperative complications, no serious adverse events were reported, though it should be mentioned that there was a significant variation in the overall complication rates provided, which ranged from 12,13,18,20 to 50%. 16 The most frequently reported complication was a mucosal erosion or ulceration.…”

“…Six hundred forty-seven 14 to 704 13 J per treatment session were applied in these cases. If 3 or more lesions were created per session, the mean amount of energy delivered varied between 1099 15 and 2100 22 J. Due to the lack of data in these studies, comparisons concerning the rate of postoperative complications could not be made.…”

Radiofrequency vs laser in the management of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea: does the number of treatment sessions matter?

“…Several authors demonstrated the efficiency of both techniques in eliminating snoring in patients with simple snoring. [8][9][10][11][12][13] Their use in treating OSAS secondary to retropalatal obstruction has gained some popularity but is still not widely accepted. 6,14 The main drawbacks of LAUP and BRVTR of the palate are:…”

Celon® radiofrequency thermo-ablative palatoplasty for snoring - a pilot study

“…[19][20][21][22] Most of these and other published similar studies have utilized technology developed by Somnus ® Medical Technologies, Inc. and have looked at short-term results: more recently it has been shown that medium to long-term results show a signi cant relapse rate. 23 The authors introduce and investigate similar technology developed by Celon ® AG Medical Instruments in a pilot study designed to investigate the results of Celon ® RFTA in simple snorers/mild OSAS. Celon ® proclaims additional bene ts over its rival Somnus ® unit, including inherent bipolar probe tip safety and a shorter procedure time.…”