Open AccessRadiofrequency ablation of the lateral palatal space for snoring
Author(s) -
Woodson B. Tucker,
Tadokoro Kent S.,
MacKay Stuart G.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
world journal of otorhinolaryngology ‐ head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2589-1081
pISSN - 2095-8811
DOI - 10.1016/j.wjorl.2017.05.005
Subject(s) - ablation , radiofrequency ablation , space (punctuation) , medicine , anatomy , orthodontics , computer science , operating system
Objective Pilot study to examine the effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the lateral palatal fat pad in patients with socially‐disruptive snoring. Method Snoring outcomes and complications were compared between a group of patients with treated with RFA ablation of the lateral soft palate fat pad with or without inferior turbinate reduction (8 patients) and another group undergoing inferior turbinate reduction alone (12 patients). Results Snoring loudness and bothersomeness improved in the palate but not inferior turbinate group. Pain was mild and no major complications were observed. Conclusion The study supports RFA ablation of the lateral palatal space as a potential low morbidity procedure for snoring.