Short-term effectiveness of the channel radiofrequency system in treating habitual snoring and mild to moderate OSAHS

Abstract

Problem: To observe the short-term effectiveness of the Coblation Radiofrequency System in the treatment of habitual snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods: Between September 2001 and June 2003, 32 patients with mild to moderate OSAHS and 6 patients with habitual snoring were treated with radiofrequency in a method of making channel in soft palate. The first 3 patients were treated at the inpatient facility, and the remaining 51 patients were accepted for outpatient treatment. All patients were diagnosed polysomnographically. Subjective and objective parameters including snoring loudness score and Epworth Sleeping Scale (ESS) were examined before and after treatment. All patients were followed up for more than 6 months, and 18 of them were examined polysomnographically again. Results: Twenty-four patients were treated twice and 30 patients 3 times. Most patients were able to lead a normal life and work normally, without any complaint of pain. After treatment 50 patients and their relatives were satisfied with the results. Posttreatment subjective scores of snoring loudness reduced significantly from 7.2 ± 3.4 to 2.8 ± 1.3. All the patients who got 10 slept alone before treatment, and scored <5 after treatment. ESS scores changed significantly from preoperative 9.8 ± 4.2 to postoperative 5.0 ± 3.2. The postoperative PSG results of 18 patients revealed that sleep breathing indexes had improved significantly: AHI decreased from 26.2 ± 8.5 to 10.6 ± 5.8, time of SaO2<90% was reduced from (15.4 ± 2.4)% to (5.2 ± 1.8)%, and the maximum snoring loudness decreased from 72.5 ± 12.0dB to 45.2 ± 6.8dB Conclusion: Satisfactory short-term effectiveness can be achieved with soft palate channel radiofrequency technique in the treatment of habitual snoring and mild to moderate OSAHS, with less injury and high degree of satisfaction. After the operation, snoring loudness and ESS scores decreased significantly, and most parameters of PSG improved significantly Significance: The radiofrequency system is an effective tool to treat habitual snoring and mild to moderate obstructive OSAHS. Support: None reported.