Radiofrequency ablation of the lateral palatal space for snoring

Objective: Pilot study to examine the effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the lateral palatal fat pad in patients with socially-disruptive snoring. Method: Snoring outcomes and complications were compared between a group of patients with treated with RFA ablation of the lateral soft palate fa...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: B. Tucker Woodson, Kent S. Tadokoro, Stuart G. MacKay
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. 2017-06-01
Series:World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095881117300549
Description
Summary:Objective: Pilot study to examine the effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the lateral palatal fat pad in patients with socially-disruptive snoring. Method: Snoring outcomes and complications were compared between a group of patients with treated with RFA ablation of the lateral soft palate fat pad with or without inferior turbinate reduction (8 patients) and another group undergoing inferior turbinate reduction alone (12 patients). Results: Snoring loudness and bothersomeness improved in the palate but not inferior turbinate group. Pain was mild and no major complications were observed. Conclusion: The study supports RFA ablation of the lateral palatal space as a potential low morbidity procedure for snoring. Keywords: Snoring, Radiofrequency, Somnoplasty, Radiofrequency ablation, Inferior turbinate reduction, Turbinoplasty
ISSN:2095-8811