Cautery-assisted palatal stiffening operation

Abstract

Outpatient surgical therapy of habitual snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea has evolved significantly in recent years. Cautery-assisted palatal stiffening operation (CAPSO) is a mucosal surgery that induces a midline palatal scar that stiffens the floppy palate. CAPSO has important advantages over uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty, and palatal radiofrequency ablation. CAPSO is a simple and safe office procedure that avoids the need for multiple-stage operations and does not rely on expensive laser systems or radiofrequency generators and hand pieces. The technique with “How I Do It” pearls is described in this article.