Radiofrequency volumetric reduction of the palate: An extended follow-up study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

The goal was to evaluate the effect of radiofrequency (RF) of the palate on speech, swallowing, taste, sleep, and snoring 12 to 18 months after treatment.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients were evaluated by clinical examination, questionnaires, and visual analog scales. The patients with relapse of snoring were offered further RF treatment.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 14 months, no adverse effect was reported. Subjective snoring scores relapsed by 29% overall. Nine patients (41%) noted relapse of snoring from 2.1 ± 1.1 to 5.7 ± 2.7 (P < 0.001). Eight of the patients underwent further RF treatment with a reduction of snoring from 5.8 ± 2.9 to 3.3 ± 3.1 (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The success of RF volumetric reduction of the palate diminishes with time, as with other surgical procedures of the palate. However, the minimal invasiveness of the RF provided a high patient acceptance for retreatment, and relapse of snoring can be improved.

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