Bipolar radiofrequency uvulopalatoplasty combined with injection snoreplasty: a reasonable option for the problem of snoring.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and morbidity of the combined use of bipolar radiofrequency uvulopalatoplasty and a sclerosing agent applied to the soft palate in patients with snoring and apnea during a 1-year follow-up period.


METHODS
This was a prospective, nonrandomized study. Twenty-eight patients with primary snoring due to palatal flutter who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Under local anesthesia, a single procedure uvulopalatoplasty using bipolar radiofrequency applied with sterilized forceps was undertaken in combination with a sclerosing agent.


RESULTS
Four patients required a repeat procedure 6 weeks after the initial operation. The postoperative Epworth Sleepiness Scale score improved significantly 360 days after surgery. Snoring, measured on the Visual Analogue Scale, decreased from 8.9 +/- 0.7 to 4.1 +/- 1.4 (p < 0.005). No complications were reported. The average reduction on the apnea-hypopnea index was from 24.2 +/- 7.1 to 12.8 +/- 4.4 (p < 0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
Bipolar radiofrequency uvulopalatoplasty combined with injection snoreplasty is an ambulatory, cost-effective, simple, and safe method to reduce the occurrence and effects of snoring and apnea.
O'Connor-Reina
Carlos
C
ENT Department, Hospital USP Marbella, Malaga, Spain. ocore@eresmas.com
Garcia-Iriarte
Maria Teresa
MT
Gomez Angel
Diego
D
Rodríguez-Diaz
Alfonso
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D012913:Snoring / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014609:Uvula / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult
D012597:Sclerosing Solutions