Injection Snoreplasty: Extended Follow-Up and New Objective Data

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Injection snoreplasty was recently introduced as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for primary snoring. Extended follow-up data (19 months) are presented from the initial pilot study cohort, and pretreatment/posttreatment objective data are presented on a new prospective patient cohort.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The successfully treated patients from the initial pilot study (n = 25) were surveyed regarding their current snoring level, overall discomfort, and overall satisfaction. A new patient cohort with primary snoring (Respiratory Disturbance Index <10) was prospectively treated with injection snoreplasty. Snoring was objectively measured pretreatment and posttreatment using a take-home acoustical analysis device.

RESULTS: Subjective success dropped from 92% to 75% at a mean of 19-month follow-up with a snoring relapse rate of 18%. Objective analysis of a new patient cohort (n = 17) confirmed statistically significant decreases in palatal flutter snoring and palatal loudness after injection. Preprocedure measurements were highly correlated to eventual treatment success.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Success and snoring relapse rates of injection snoreplasty are similar to those of other current treatments. Objective analysis confirms the procedure is effective in reducing palatal flutter snoring. Preprocedure snoring analysis may predict patient response to palatal stiffening treatments.

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