Which Patients Can Benefit from Pillar Palatal Implant Procedure?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this prospective study is to determine which patients may benefit from pillar procedure as a treatment for snoring.Methods: A total of 37 patients (25 males and 12 females) with a history of snoring were implanted with 3 pillar palatal implants. Flexible fiberoptic examination was used to evaluate the upper airway, especially the retropalatal and retrolingual areas. Visual analog scale (VAS) and polysomnography were performed on before and 3 rd months after the pillar procedure. The implantation was performed under local anesthesia. Results:The mean VAS score was reduced from 9.3±0.6 to 6.2±1.1 at the 3 rd month. VAS scores of snoring intensity were reduced >50% in 24 of the patients (64.8%).The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 11.7±2.3 before the implantation and was reduced to 8.4±1.6 at the 3 rd month. VAS and AHI had a close relation with gender, body weight, and oropharynx class. There were no major complications, such as infection, extrusion, and major bleeding. Conclusion:Pillar procedure has a high success rate if it is done with appropriate patient selection, but overall effectiveness remains limited. Initial AHI and VAS values, oropharynx and tonsil position scores, and gender are important determinants of pillar procedure.