Medium-term outcome of palatal surgery for snoring using the Somnus™ unit

The aim of this study was to retrospectively survey patients who had undergone radiofrequency ablation of the soft palate for snoring complaints. Fifty-nine patients who had undergone radiofrequency ablation were sent an anonymous questionnaire to assess snoring (using visual analogue scales), pain and satisfaction with the procedure. Sixty-one per cent of the group returned the questionnaire. The mean time since operation was 17.5 months. Taking an improvement in snoring of 50 per cent or greater as a successful operation, snoring improvement occurred in 22 per cent. Post-operative pain was minimal with a median pain score of zero. Information was requested on whether the patient would undergo this procedure again, 50 per cent responded that they would and 44 per cent would advise a friend in the same situation to have this procedure. Radiofrequency ablation of the soft palate, as in other forms of surgery for snoring, seems to have a relapse rate over the long-term.