Radiofrequency ablation of the lateral palatal space for snoring.

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.