Treatment of simple snoring using radio waves for ablation of uvula and soft palate: a day-case surgery procedure.

OBJECTIVE

Uvulopalatoplasty, performed with high-frequency radio waves, was evaluated as a treatment for social snoring.

METHODS

Forty male social snorers were included in this prospective, nonrandomized study. Patients' subjective complaints before, during, and 3 months after radio-assisted uvulopalatoplasty were recorded on a visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

Complications were negligible. Snoring sounds and daytime tiredness reduced significantly. Considering effect and suffering during and after surgery, a high number of patients (93%) were willing to undergo the procedure again if necessary.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of radio-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (RAUP) seem to be similar to other surgical methods used to reduce snoring. The relative small investments needed and its simplicity makes RAUP a good alternative to known treatment strategies.