Transoral Radiofrequency Treatment of Snoring

Assessment and Treatment of Pain during In-Office Otolaryngology Procedures: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To qualitatively assess practices of periprocedural pain assessment and control and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for pain during in-office procedures reported in the otolaryngology literature through a systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science searches from inception to 2018.

REVIEW METHODS

English-language studies reporting qualitative or quantitative data for periprocedural pain assessment in adult patients undergoing in-office otolaryngology procedures were included. Risk of bias was assessed via the Cochrane Risk of Bias or Cochrane Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tools as appropriate. Two reviewers screened all articles. Bias was assessed by 3 reviewers.

RESULTS

Eighty-six studies describing 32 types of procedures met inclusion criteria. Study quality and risk of bias ranged from good to serious but did not affect assessed outcomes. Validated methods of pain assessment were used by only 45% of studies. The most commonly used pain assessment was patient tolerance, or ability to simply complete a procedure. Only 5.8% of studies elicited patients' baseline pain levels prior to procedures, and a qualitative assessment of pain was done in merely 3.5%. Eleven unique pain control regimens were described in the literature, with 8% of studies failing to report method of pain control.

CONCLUSION

Many reports of measures and management of pain for in-office procedures exist but few employ validated measures, few are standardized, and current data do not support any specific pain control measures over others. Significant opportunity remains to investigate methods for improving patient pain and tolerance of in-office procedures.

The treatment of snoring by radiofrequency-assisted uvulopalatoplasty and results after one-session protocol: a prospective, longitudinal, non-randomized study

Snoring is usually caused by the vibration of walls of the soft palate at the pharyngeal level. Its worldwide prevalence is estimated to range between 2 and 85% depending on age, gender or population group. The aim of this study is to determine the degree of improvement that can be subjectively evident in patients treated by snoring with radiofrequency-assisted uvulopalatoplasty based on a one-session protocol. This is a prospective, longitudinal, non-randomized study. Patients of both sexes, aged 18 years, who attended to the ENT consultation in a tertiary hospital with snoring during the period of July 2012-July 2013 were included. Age, body mass index, Epworth sleepiness scale were calculated. The volume of snoring of each subject was assessed using a visual analog scale. A total of 27 patients were included in the study; the average age of the sample was 49 years (±8.7; min 36/max 74); of these 22 (81.5%) were male and 5 (18.5%) females. The average BMI was 27.07 ± 2.5 (min 23.15/max 29.39) before the test and after 1 year was 26.75 ± 2.32 (min 23.11/max 29.56) with no statistically significant differences in BMI before and after surgery (p = 0.407). Preoperative snoring intensity was 8.10 ± 0.93 according to VAS. We found a statistically significant difference in the post-operative intensity at 3 months of 3.93 ± 0.88 (p ≤ 0.05) at 6 months of 4.41 ± 1.08 (p ≤ 0.05), and after 1 year 4.90 ± 0.77 (p ≤ 0.05). The average rate of ESS was significantly higher preoperatively than post-operative, being 8.76 ± 3.1 preoperative and 6.93 ± 1.68 post-operative (p ≤ 0.05). We conclude that the use of radiofrequency in simple snorers with an apnea/hypopnea index <15 events per hour and a BMI < 30 kg/m(2) in whom clinically proven that the source of snoring is the soft palate, can be treated by one-session protocol, being possible to obtain an improvement of snoring up to 70% of cases by a short follow-up period.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, and otolaryngology: review of the evidence

BACKGROUND

The adoption of evidence-based practice is fundamental to good medical care; it ensures that intervention is clinically effective and safe. In a world of limited healthcare resources, consideration of cost-effectiveness must, unfortunately, restrict clinicians' choice. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has, for over 10 years, developed guidance to achieve a national consensus on best practice.

OBJECTIVES

This review describes the Institute's methodology, examines guidance relevant to otolaryngology and presents more recent research to update the evidence.

Long-term safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing: a meta-analysis

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing (SDB), particularly in the alleviation of snoring. The literature provides evidence that the short-term results are promising; however, the long-term efficacy is a matter of contention. In this article, we present the results of a literature search of studies that use RFA in the treatment of SDB which have a follow-up time of greater than a year. RFA was found to be a safe technique with minimal morbidity. The overall Visual Analogue score from six studies showed the overall mean improvement to be 4.3 (confidence intervals 3.4-5.12). Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), improved significantly in five of the studies analysed. Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS), improved significantly in six of the studies analysed. In conclusion, the evidence suggests that RFA for SDB results in a significant improvement in follow-up times of at least a year. Since RFA can be applied in a clinic setting and leads to minimal disruption to daily life, this treatment option can be considered for those unwilling to participate in the more traditional surgical options for SDB.

Snoring management with nasal surgery and upper airway radiofrequency ablation

OBJECTIVE

To review techniques and outcomes of nasal surgery with upper airway radiofrequency ablation (RFA) when used for socially disruptive snoring, including the rate of infection with reused RFA applicator tips.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Community-based sleep-disordered breathing clinic.

METHODS

A prospectively acquired sleep quality assurance database was reviewed to determine demographics, complications, snoring outcomes, level of daytime sleepiness, and sleep-related quality of life in patients with socially disruptive snoring treated with nasal surgery and upper airway RFA.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty patients (48 women; 82 men) with a mean age of 50 years (range, 24-83 years) underwent nasal surgery and upper airway RFA for the treatment of chronic nasal blockage with socially disruptive snoring. All patients underwent septoplasty with or without inferior turbinate reduction and RFA to the soft palate and/or base of tongue. Patients received a mean of 2.2 (range, 1-4) applications of upper airway RFA during the course of treatment. No infections occurred with reuse of applicator tips. Fifty-four bed partners (42%) reported complete snoring resolution, whereas 68 (52%) reported residual snoring that was improved. Snoring resolution was more common in patients who underwent repeated applications of upper airway RFA (odds ratio 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-5.26).

CONCLUSION

Nasal surgery combined with upper airway RFA improved snoring with few complications in this series of patients with anatomic nasal obstruction with socially disruptive snoring. Reuse of RFA applicator tips at palatal sites reduces cost without an observed increase in the risk of upper airway infection.

Sutter® bipolar radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of palate for snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnoea: is one treatment adequate?

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of bipolar radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction, using Sutter® technology, in the treatment of snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnoea.

Design:

Prospective, non-randomised trial.

Methods:

Fifty-two patients with simple snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnoea underwent bipolar radiofrequency palate reduction under local anaesthesia.

Results:

All patients were Friedman stage II and III, with tonsil sizes graded as zero, one or two, a mean body mass index of 22.6, and a mean age of 36.2 years. Seventy-seven per cent of patients reported improvement in their snoring; patients' mean snoring level (assessed by visual analogue scale) improved from 8.9 to 3.4 (p < 0.05). Eighty-three per cent of patients reported an improvement in their Epworth sleepiness scale score, from a mean of 14.6 to 9.5. Seven out of the 17 patients (41.2 per cent) met the surgical success criteria (i.e. at least a 50 per cent reduction of the pre-procedure apnoea–hypopnoea index, and a post-procedure apnoea–hypopnoea index of below 15). Patients' mean apnoea–hypopnoea index improved from 13.6 to 9.8, and their mean lowest oxygen saturation improved from 88.3 to 92.5 per cent. Eighty-two per cent of patients reported an improvement in their quality of life as a result of the procedure.

Conclusion:

One session of Sutter bipolar radiofrequency tissue volume reduction represents a viable method of treating snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnoea, with good results.

Reduction of Snoring with a Plasma-Mediated Radiofrequency-based Ablation (Coblation) Device

We evaluated the effectiveness of using a plasma-mediated radiofrequency-based ablation (Coblation) device to perform volumetric tissue reduction of the soft palate as a means of controlling snoring in 23 patients with loud snoring and mild or no sleep apnea. Tissue reduction was achieved by performing a channeling procedure designed to shrink the tissue surrounding the treatment zone. The soft palate was treated at three separate sites, and each channel was completed in approximately 11 seconds. Data regarding the primary outcome—that is, pre- and postoperative subjective assessments of snoring intensity provided by the patients’ bed partners—were available for comparison for 21 of the 23 patients. Of the 21 patients, treatment was deemed successful in 10 (48%). Postoperatively, the overall mean intensity of snoring on a scale of 0 (no snoring) to 10 (terrible snoring) fell by 4 points (p < 0.05). Likewise, the loudness of snoring was also significantly reduced on objective SNAP recordings; the mean intensity fell from 12 to 8 dB (p < 0.05). Of the 10 successfully treated patients, 2 required only one procedure, 5 were improved after two treatments, and 3 underwent three operations. Seventeen of the 23 patients (74%) reported an improvement in quality of life. Surgical complications were mild to moderate, and pain was easily manageable in most cases. Our findings suggest that this procedure can be an effective treatment for socially unacceptable snoring. We hope that in future studies, investigators will evaluate outcomes over a longer term.

[Treatment of simple snoring by radiofrequency velar coblation]

OBJECTIVES

Short- and long-term evaluation of the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency velar coblation for simple snoring.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From February 2000 to May 2004, 175 patients underwent a single radiofrequency session for velar coblation. All patients suffered from snoring without sleep apnea. They presented modifications of the velo-pharyngeal region but did not have tonsillar or basilingual hypertrophy. Outcome was assessed in terms of pain, changes in snoring, secondary effects and complications at three months and one, two, and three years. Secondary uvulectomy was performed in 28 patients.

RESULTS

At three months, snoring had decreased in 82% of patients with complete resolution in 12%. Outcome remained unchanged in 70% of patients at one, two, and three years. After uvulectomy, snoring declined in 96% of patients with complete resolution in 48%. Post-treatment pain lasted less than five days in 68% of patients. Mean duration was three days. Fifteen patients developed pharyngeal paresthesia which regressed at one year. Two patients had a nasal voice and three developed necrosis of the uvula.

CONCLUSION

Velar coblation is a simple treatment for snoring which can be performed in a single session. The best results are achieved in patients whose body mass index is below 25 and after secondary uvulectomy.

Topical nasal anesthesia and laryngopharyngeal sensory testing: a prospective, double-blind crossover study

Laryngopharyngeal sensory discrimination testing (LPSDT) has become a popular means of detecting sensory deficits in patients with voice and/or swallowing complaints. During this procedure, transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopy (TFL) using a specialized fiberoptic scope is performed in order to deliver discrete pulses of air to the laryngopharyngeal mucosa. Historically, topical anesthesia has been applied to the nasal mucosa to lessen discomfort during TFL. Because of the concern that topical nasal anesthesia could also anesthetize the laryngopharynx, it is usually not used during sensory testing. To prospectively compare LPSDT scores after the nasal administration of cocaine hydrochloride, oxymetazoline hydrochloride, and saline solution, we prospectively evaluated 15 subjects undergoing LPSDT. Each had the procedure performed on 3 separate occasions. Before examination, each patient was administered either 4% cocaine, 0.05% oxymetazoline, or saline solution by atomizer (2 sprays of 1-second duration to each naris). By the conclusion of the study, each patient had undergone sensory testing with each of the test agents. During each examination, the minimal air pulse eliciting the laryngeal adductor reflex was recorded for both sides of the laryngopharynx. Both patient and examiner were blinded to the test agent used. The mean sensory score for saline solution was 3.9 mm Hg. The sensory scores for oxymetazoline and cocaine were 3.4 and 3.5 mm Hg, respectively. When compared to saline solution and oxymetazoline independently, sensory testing of the laryngopharynx during which the nose was anesthetized with cocaine resulted in similar thresholds for eliciting the laryngeal adductor reflex (p = .40 and p = .85). We conclude that topical anesthesia can be applied to the nasal cavity during LPSDT without altering laryngeal sensation.