Radiofrequency ablation, a procedure that uses heat to shrink the tissue of the soft palate, is an effective and minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat primary snoring. This according to a paper, “Three-Year Result of Combined Radiofrequency for Primary Snoring,” presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in San Diego.
Researchers discussed the results of treatment of primary snoring in a prospective study of 60 patients. They sought to assess the 3-year efficacy and morbidity of combined radiofrequency of the soft palate and partial uvulectomy.
According to the researchers, radiofrequency surgery of the soft palate in general has become widespread due to its minimally invasive character, significant improvement of primary snoring, and low postoperative complication rates. Nevertheless, the long-term clinical efficacy of the surgery in primary snoring was limited prior to their study.
The severity of snoring was reduced after two treatment sessions of combined radiofrequency compared with the preoperative snoring score. After 3-year follow-up, 76% of the patients were satisfied to receive this operative treatment.
The researchers noted that prior to their study long-term research results surrounding radiofrequency surgery of primary snoring were limited. They noted that results of the current study might be able to guide physicians and patients in choosing effective treatment options for snoring.
