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Long-Term Results of Radiofrequency on Snoring Marc Bernard Blumen MD (presenter); Isabelle Wagner MD; Ludovic Chartier MD; Fredric Chabolle MD Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Somnoplasty applied to the soft palate for the treatment of snoring 12 to 18 months after the last treatment. Methods: Fifteen patients with sleep-disordered breathing were treated with Somnoplasty from March to December 1998. A 3-lesion protocol was performed, 700 J on the midline and 350 J on each side. Three sessions at the most were provided. Patients were evaluated 6 to 8 weeks after the last session are re-evaluated 12 to 18 months afterwards by clinical questionnaires and visual analog scales to subjectively assess snoring. Questionnaires were sent to the patients and returned by mail. If no answer was received, patients were contacted by phone, and results were retrieved. Success was defined by a snoring volume of 3 or less and satisfaction of the bed partner. Results: The mean snoring volume was 1.7 compared to 8.1 prior to treatment. The short-term overall satisfaction rate was 86.6%. The success rate was 80%. Twelve to 18 months after treatment, 13 patients were evaluated, 1 successful patient initially was lost to follow-up, and 1 failure was treated with LAUP. The mean snoring volume was 3.7, and 46%of the results remained. For 7 patients, modification of respiration volume occurred: 6 patients’ conditions worsened, and 1 patient’s condition improved. The long-term overall satisfaction rate was 69.2% (9/13). The success rate was 53.8%. The mean body weight was not statistically different, even for the patients who had a relapse. Conclusion: This study suggests that relapse of snoring occurs 12 to 18 months after treatment with Somnoplasty, despite an absence of weight gain. The recurrence rate is comparable to rate of other surgical treatments. Loosening of the soft tissue under stretching conditions is a natural evolution. Recurrence should probably not be considered a failure if an additional treatment can be applied; this is probably the case with Somnoplasty, given the minimal invasiveness of radiofrequency and its good tolerance. |