[Treatment of simple snoring by radiofrequency velar coblation].
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Resumo
OBJECTIVE
Short- and long-term evaluation of the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency velar coblation for simple snoring.
METHODS
From February 2000 to May 2004, 175 patients underwent a single radiofrequency session for velar coblation. All patients suffered from snoring without sleep apnea. They presented modifications of the velo-pharyngeal region but did not have tonsillar or basilingual hypertrophy. Outcome was assessed in terms of pain, changes in snoring, secondary effects and complications at three months and one, two, and three years. Secondary uvulectomy was performed in 28 patients.
RESULTS
At three months, snoring had decreased in 82% of patients with complete resolution in 12%. Outcome remained unchanged in 70% of patients at one, two, and three years. After uvulectomy, snoring declined in 96% of patients with complete resolution in 48%. Post-treatment pain lasted less than five days in 68% of patients. Mean duration was three days. Fifteen patients developed pharyngeal paresthesia which regressed at one year. Two patients had a nasal voice and three developed necrosis of the uvula.
CONCLUSIONS
Velar coblation is a simple treatment for snoring which can be performed in a single session. The best results are achieved in patients whose body mass index is below 25 and after secondary uvulectomy.
