Punctate diathermy of the soft palate: a new approach in the surgical management of snoring

J Laryngol Otol. 1995 Sep;109(9):849-52. doi: 10.1017/s0022215100131482.

Abstract

We present our experiences in the surgical management of 21 snorers, utilizing a new approach designed to stiffen the palatal musculature, without compromising its function. This was achieved by using a punctate pattern of intrapalatal diathermy to achieve fibrosis within the palate and hence the requisite stiffening. The initial results of this procedure are encouraging showing a subjective improvement in snoring in 85.7 per cent of patients and an increase in sleeping in the same room as their partner every night, from 14.3 per cent pre-operatively to 57.1 per cent post-operatively.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Electrocoagulation / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Palate, Soft / surgery*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / physiopathology
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / surgery
  • Snoring / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome