Treatment of simple snoring using radio waves for ablation of uvula and soft palate: a day-case surgery procedure.
OBJECTIVE
Uvulopalatoplasty, performed with high-frequency radio waves, was evaluated as a treatment for social snoring.


METHODS
Forty male social snorers were included in this prospective, nonrandomized study. Patients' subjective complaints before, during, and 3 months after radio-assisted uvulopalatoplasty were recorded on a visual analogue scale.


RESULTS
Complications were negligible. Snoring sounds and daytime tiredness reduced significantly. Considering effect and suffering during and after surgery, a high number of patients (93%) were willing to undergo the procedure again if necessary.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of radio-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (RAUP) seem to be similar to other surgical methods used to reduce snoring. The relative small investments needed and its simplicity makes RAUP a good alternative to known treatment strategies.
Wedman
Jan
J
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. j.wedman@kno.azg.nl
Miljeteig
Harald
H
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000601:surgery*; D010611:Pharyngectomy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D012913:Snoring / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D014609:Uvula / Q000601:surgery*