Long-term results of transnasal radiofrequency in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the long-term effects of radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFTA) performed to the inferior concha on snoring, apnea index, and daytime sleepiness symptoms in patients who presents with the complaint of snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Between March 2009 and May 2011, 50 patients (29 females, 21 males; mean age 40.7 years; range 19 to 64 years) who had witnessed sleep apnea and diagnosed with mild OSAS as assessed by polysomnographic analysis in our clinic were included in the study. Twenty-five patients with the history of witnessed sleep apnea underwent sleep analysis using conventional polysomnography (PSG), while portable PSG device was used in other 25 patients. During the follow-up visits, all patients who underwent tissue ablation using RF were assessed by the baseline examination method. Following the polysomnographic analysis, RFTA was performed to the inferior concha of all patients. The mean follow-up period was 18.7 months (range 6-26 months). In the group who underwent conventional PSG, the mean pre-treatment apnea-hipopnea index (AHI) was 11.356±2.9841, while the mean post-treatment AHI was 9.93±2.822. In the group who underwent portable PSG, the mean pre-treatment AHI was 9.196±3.2696, whereas the mean post-treatment AHI was 8.04±3.241. In two patients (4%), inferior concha ulceration was detected. Radiofrequency used in the treatment of mild OSAS results in better patient compliance and post-treatment patient comfort, as well as lower post-treatment morbidity and complication rate, compared to conventional surgical techniques.