Artikel
Radiofrequency-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (RF-UPP) in the treatment of snoring – a long-term follow-up
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Veröffentlicht: | 22. Juli 2009 |
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Gliederung
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Objectives: The efficacy of combined radiofrequency (RF) surgery of the soft palate (RF-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (RF-UPP)) was demonstrated in a prospective study. Nevertheless, the data is based on short-term follow up only, as it is the case with the majority of clinical studies regarding surgical treatment of snoring. Long-term follow up is of particular importance in this context, as snoring relapses in a significant number of patients. Aim of this study was to assess the long-term efficacy of RF-UPP in the treatment of snoring.
Methods: 21 patients with primary snoring (AHI<15, BMI<32) were going through the initial trial. Patients had received two sessions of RF-UPP at the soft palate as previously described. For the present trial, all patients were contacted after approx. 18 months and asked to fill an additional follow-up questionnaire assessing current BMI, snoring (VAS) and the overall satisfaction with the procedure.
Results: From the 21 initial patients, 19 (90%) answered the questionnaire. Mean follow up was 19.8±4.9 months. The postoperative snoring scores showed an increase from 2.02.1 to 5.1±3.3 (p<0.05) at long-term follow-up. 7 (37%) patients demonstrated long-term success (1.7±0.5), while 7 patients experienced a relapse in snoring (8.1±1.4). BMI remained unchanged. Age, sex, BMI or the length of follow up did not influence long-term outcome.
Conclusion: After RF-UPP of the soft palate, a relapse in snoring has to be expected at long-term follow up in a subgroup of patients. At present, there are no prospective parameters which would predict long term benefit.