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((R)). 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.The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com: Elisabeth Hultcrantz, Lena Harder, Helena Loord, Lars-Göran Käll, Kjell Ydreborg, Staffan Wallberg and Eva Svanborg, Long-term effects of radiofrequency ablation of the soft palate on snoring, 2009, European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology: official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS): affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, (267), 1, 137-142. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00405-009-0979-7 Copyright: Springer Science Business Media http://www.springerlink.com/