[Results of radiofrequency tissue ablation].

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the effectiveness of radiofrequency tissue ablation in respiratory obstruction due to snoring and turbinate hypertrophy.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Thirty-three patients (9 females, 24 males; mean age 35.3 years; range 19 to 55 years) underwent 38 submucosal probe applications in the inferior turbinate (n = 15), soft palate (n = 13), and both (n = 5). Applications were performed in four regions of the soft palate, and in the anterior, medial, or posterior regions of the inferior turbinate depending on the hypertrophic site. Evaluations were made prior to, in the second month, and at the end of the first year of treatment. Snoring was evaluated using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and subjective assessment. Respiration was evaluated by a visual analog scale. Maximum follow-up period was one year.

RESULTS

Subjective evaluations made at the end of the first year showed that snoring decreased in 44.5% and disappeared in 50%. No change was observed in 5.5%. According to the patients' subjective evaluations and clinical examination findings complaints of obstruction decreased by 65.4% and 45.61%, respectively. No significant complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

Radiofrequency tissue ablation may prove to be useful in appropriate patients. It is minimally invasive, requires low power and heat, and no general anesthesia, and is associated with low complication risks.