Recent advances in surgery for snoring-somnoplasty (radiofrequency palatoplasty) a pilot study: effectiveness and acceptability.

A prospective study was designed to investigate the effects of Somnoplasty (Radiofrequency palatoplasty) in patients with snoring. A group of 22 patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria outlined underwent somnoplasty performed by a single surgeon. Every patient completed a standard questionnaire containing visual analogue scales at six weeks post operatively. The parameters assessed were post-operative pain, change in snoring score, effects on sleep of the patient and bed partner, speech and swallowing, alteration in weight, acceptance of the procedure and recommendation to friends and family. Results of improvement in snoring score were correlated to body mass index (BMI) kg/m2. We conclude that somnoplasty is an effective procedure in elimination of snoring and the success is closely linked to BMI. Best response is obtained in those with BMI < 25 and moderate response is obtained in those with BMI between 25-30. Obese (BMI > 30) patients are more likely to have a poor response. Morbidity associated with the procedure is minimal and patient acceptance is 100%. The long-term success of this procedure needs to be confirmed with further follow up.