Snoring

Check out 'Snore-Op'

Radiowave treatment (submucosal radiowave palatoplasty)

This is a minor surgical procedure which can produce cessation or at least a marked reduction of snoring in 4 out of 5 cases treated.

What Causes Snoring ?

Snoring can be generated from nasal obstruction and vibration or flapping of the soft palate.  This treatment can help snoring by causing tissue tightening in these areas.  Sometimes more than one treatment is necessary.
Under local anaesthetic (like a dental anaesthetic), the operation is largely painless, and takes around 30 minutes.  Following the minor operation, one can carry on normal activities, such as working, or eating.

Radiowave treatment (submucosal radiowave palatoplasty)

The Operation:

This is performed using the principle of radio waves.  Under local anaesthetic, low temperature radio frequency energy is delivered to the soft palate muscles.  This induces the palate to stiffen by scarring the palatal muscles and normally leaves the mucosal surface over the palate unaffected.

Some people may need an additional procedure where nasal obstruction is contributing to the snoring. Using the same apparatus the inside of the nose can also be treated with radiowave surgery.

This minor operation is performed under local anaesthetic, which makes the operation relatively pain free
Follow up is recommended at six - 8 weeks.   Where there has been insufficient  or no improvement in snoring, further treatments can be carried out at the follow up visit where it is thought to be necessary.

Cautions:

People with cardiac pacemakers should not have this procedure without consulting their cardiologist.
Snoring usually gets worse for a few nights, but this soon passes.  Side effects such as an allergy to the local anaesthetic or a palatal burn can occur but are rare.

Will fixing my snoring improve my lifestyle?

Snoring correction will assist both socially and medically.  Snoring is frequently disruptive to other members of the family.  It frequently disrupts the sleep quality of the household members.  Snorers may also be unpopular due to disturbance of roommates on holidays or business trips.  Finally snorers may be the subject of ridicule.

Assisting the medical problems are related to snoring are also improve life quality.  Snoring frequently causes restless sleep and tiredness on waking.  It may also cause daytime drowsiness.  More severe snoring may contribute to elevated blood pressure and, with this, increase risk of stroke.

Will the treatment encourage me to lose weight?

Weight loss is an important part of snoring.  After surgery, weight loss may occur due to the initial post surgical procedure discomfort contributing to a loss of appetite.

Should I stop smoking?

Yes. Smoking contributes to the congestion of throat tissues.  It also increases acid secretion in the stomach, which can irritate the throat through reflux and cause additional congestion.

Should I stop drinking?

Alcohol, particularly in excess and particularly at night can least to increased snoring.  Weight gain related to alcohol consumption may be an additional factor.

Can surgery be partially effective only?

Because snoring is a multi-factor medical condition, repeat or additional operations may be required as part of the management plan. Unfortunately only a few patients achieve 100% control of snoring although the majority of patients do have useful improvement.  At present there is no single operation or device that can 'cure' a snorer.