Long-term effects of radiofrequency ablation of the soft palate on snoring.
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.
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden. elihu@inr.liu.se
Elisabeth
E
Hultcrantz
Lena
L
Harder
Helena
H
Loord
Lars-Göran
LG
Käll
Kjell
K
Ydreborg
Staffan
S
Wallberg
Eva
E
Svanborg
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005931:Glottis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012913:Snoring / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome