Evaluate the possible efficacy of radiofrequency application to the palate at the patients with snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate the possible efficacy of temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation applied to the soft palate with the Epworth sleepiness scale in patients with simple snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. (OSAS)Material and method: This research was conducted with the patients who applied to Otorhinolaryngology Department of Dicle University Medical Faculty in the period between March 2008 and April 2010. 30 patients with simple snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) were included in this study. 13 of them have simple snoring and others were mild OSAS. Applications were performed on three areas of the soft palate under local anesthesia. Evaluations were made before and at the sixth week after treatment. The patients were evaluated with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Epworth sleepiness scale scores were analyzed using paired-samples T test. The differences of mean ESS scores between mild OSAS and simple snoring patients were analyzed using independent samples T test.Results: Mean ESS scores significantly decreased from 10,5 ±2,4 to 8,4±2,1 (p< 0,05). There was more meaningful decrease at mean ESS scores with the patients mild OSAS rather than simple snoring patients after treatment (p< 0,05).Conclusion: Temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation is effective in selected patients with simple snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation is an effective, minimally invasive treatment technique with low complication risks.