Combined radiofrequency assisted uvulopalatoplasty in the treatment of snoring

Abstract

Despite its minimally invasive character and superiority over placebo, the clinical efficacy of interstitial radiofrequency surgery (RF) of the soft palate in primary snoring is limited. In particular, excessive soft tissue at the palatal arches (webbing) and uvula hyperplasia are common phenomena, but cannot be addressed with interstitial RF surgery. Aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and morbidity of combined RF assisted uvulopalatoplasty (RF-UPP) in the treatment of snoring. Twenty-two patients with primary snoring (AHI < 15, BMI < 32) were included in the prospective clinical trial. All patients received two sessions of combined RF procedures at the soft palate, consisting of interstitial bipolar RF-surgery (Celon) and RF-assisted resection of excessive soft tissue (Celon ProCut). Snoring and postoperative pain were assessed with a 10-cm visual analogues scale (VAS), before and at least 6 weeks after every treatment session. Twenty-two patients were included and 21 patients completed the study. Snoring scores were reduced after the first session (8.5 +/- 1.5-4.6 +/- 2.5; P < 0.001) and showed further improvement after the second session (4.6 +/- 2.5-2.0 +/- 2.1; P < 0.001). Postoperative pain levels of 6.6 +/- 2.9 at day 1 decreased to 3.2 +/- 3.0 at day 7 after the first session and from 3.8 +/- 3.2 at day 1 to 0.4 +/- 0.8 at day 7 after the second session. Painkillers were administered for a mean of 2.0 +/- 2.5 days. Complications did not occur. Combined radiofrequency assisted uvulopalatoplasty (RF-UPP) is highly effective in the treatment of snoring.