A comparative study on the effects of surgery alone and along with radiofrequency in improvement of patients with nocturnal snoring in Isfahan, Iran

Nocturnal snoring is a common complication. In addition to the harassment of the people around, it can lead to cardiovascular diseases, reduced awareness of the environment, and higher statistics of accidents. The treatment of this disorder is mostly by surgical approach. It is also common to use other techniques such as radiofrequency (RF). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of simultaneous uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and RF treatment with surgery alone for reducing the upper airway obstruction as well as decreasing or eliminating snoring in affected patients. METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted in Isfahan, Iran during 2009-10. A total number of 46 patients were consecutively assigned into two groups. The first group underwent UPPP whereas the second group received RF in addition to UPPP. The severity of snoring and sleepiness in patients were recorded before and after the surgery using a checklist. The obtained results were then compared. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess snoring status based on the patients' idea. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was also used to evaluate sleepiness. RESULTS: In the UPPP group, the mean score of nocturnal snoring decreased from 80 ± 23.3 to 23.9 ± 28.4 (p < 0.001). In the group of UPPP with RF, the mean intensity of snoring decreased from 86.5 ± 24.4 to 31.7 ± 27.7 (p < 0.001). The snoring score reduction was not significantly different between the UPPP and UPPP and RF groups (56.1 ± 34.5 vs. 58.8 ± 38.6; p = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the findings of this study and previous research, it can be suggested that RF may have a complimentary effect in treating simple snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). When indicated, RF can result in more favorable medical improvement in a shorter period of time than UPPP alone.