Efficiency of radiofrequency assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in the treatment of snoring.

Abstract

Snoring is an acoustic phenomenon, which is a consequence of vibrations of the soft tissue caused by partial obstruction of the upper breathing pathway while sleeping. It is estimated that 20% of men and 5% of women between 30 and 35 years of age snore and this rate increases to 50% of men and 30% of women over 60 years of age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of radiofrequency assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in the treatment of snoring by comparing snoring index and other polysomnography values before and after surgical treatment. The study included 22 patients (men 87% and women 13%), mean age 43.09 +/-9.6 (range, 28-67) years, treated for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome at University Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, during a 2-year period. Snoring was evaluated by preoperative and postoperative polysomnography at Department of Psychophysiology, Vrapce Psychiatric Hospital, Zagreb. Results were analyzed using Wilcoxon test. Postoperative reduction of snoring was statistically significant (P = 0.00052). Snoring index was decreased in 83% of patients, yielding a mean reduction of 83%. In 50% of patients, reduction of snoring index was over 95%. These results confirm the high efficiency of the procedure in the treatment of patients suffering from snoring.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Postoperative reduction of snoring was statistically significant (P = 0.00052). Snoring index decreased in 83% of patients with a mean reduction of 83%, and in 50% of patients the reduction was over 95%.

Outcomes measured

• Snoring index (polysomnography)
• Other polysomnography values (not specified)

Limitations

• No control/comparator group described (pre-post design only)
• Small sample size (n=22)
• Frequency/SAR and detailed RF exposure parameters not reported
• Other polysomnography outcomes not reported in the abstract

{
    "study_type": "other",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "medical/surgical device (radiofrequency-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Patients treated for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (snoring) at a university hospital ENT department (Zagreb)",
    "sample_size": 22,
    "outcomes": [
        "Snoring index (polysomnography)",
        "Other polysomnography values (not specified)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Postoperative reduction of snoring was statistically significant (P = 0.00052). Snoring index decreased in 83% of patients with a mean reduction of 83%, and in 50% of patients the reduction was over 95%.",
    "effect_direction": "benefit",
    "limitations": [
        "No control/comparator group described (pre-post design only)",
        "Small sample size (n=22)",
        "Frequency/SAR and detailed RF exposure parameters not reported",
        "Other polysomnography outcomes not reported in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "snoring",
        "obstructive sleep apnea syndrome",
        "radiofrequency assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty",
        "polysomnography",
        "snoring index",
        "ENT surgery"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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