Snoring intensity after a first session of soft palate radiofrequency: predictive value of the final result

Laryngoscope. 2013 Jun;123(6):1556-9. doi: 10.1002/lary.23800. Epub 2013 Apr 26.

Abstract

Objectives/hypothesis: To determine whether snoring sound intensity measured after a first soft palate radiofrequency (RF) session for simple snoring helps predict the final result of the treatment.

Study design: Observational retrospective study.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 105 subjects presenting with simple snoring or mild sleep apnea. All patients underwent two to three sessions of RF-assisted stiffening of the soft palate. In addition, uvulectomy was performed in case of a long uvula, and two paramedian trenches were created in the presence of palatal webbing. Snoring sound intensity was evaluated by the bed partner after each session.

Results: Eighty-six men and 19 women were included in the study. Mean age was 51.7 ± 9.8 years, and mean body mass index was 24.7 ± 4.4 kg/m(2) . The mean apnea/hypopnea index was 6.6 ± 4.2/h. The mean snoring sound intensity, as evaluated on a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS), decreased from 8.2 ± 1.5 to 3.5 ± 2.2 after all sessions (P < .0001). A score of 3 was determined as being a score that satisfied the bed partner. Two groups were formed according to the final snoring sound intensity, using 3 as a threshold. Both groups had similar preoperative characteristics, but the snoring sound intensity was significantly lower after the first session in the group with final score <3 (P = .01). Similarly, a VAS score >7 after the first session was associated with a final score <3 in 30% of the cases.

Conclusions: Snoring sound intensity after the first RF session helps predict the final outcome of RF-assisted stiffening of the soft palate for simple snoring.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Palate, Soft / surgery*
  • Polysomnography
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Snoring / diagnosis*
  • Snoring / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome