Radiofrequency surgery for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: Short-term and long-term results

Abstract

Objective: To compare the short-term and long-term results in patients undergoing radiofrequency (RF) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Study Design: Case series and planned data collection. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Subjects and Methods: A study was undertaken on 72 OSA patients with palatal and tongue base obstruction based on radiography and physical findings. Multilevel RF was conducted to reduce the tissue. Results: Patients had a mean age of 35.8 ± 10.9 years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.8 ± 2.4 kg/m2. The mean follow-up was 14.2 ± 1.8 months, with a range of 12 to 16 months. Mean baseline apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), short-term AHI, and long-term AHI were 35.6 ± 9.2, 12.5 ± 4.8, and 16.8 ± 3.2, respectively. Mean baseline lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT), short-term LSAT, and long-term LSAT were 85.6 ± 3.4 percent, 88.7 ± 2.9 percent, and 88.2 ± 1.7 percent, respectively. The change in BMI was significantly different in the patients with and without recurrence (2.8 ± 1.8 vs 0.3 ± 0.2 kg/m2, P < 0.01). Forty (55.6%) patients had long-term success, and eight (16.7%) patients with short-term success failed in the long term. Serious complications were not encountered. Conclusion: RF is a minimally invasive and effective procedure that results in long-term success for patients with a relatively low BMI and mild to moderate OSA without nasal obstruction. However, a recommendation concerning weight control and a regular follow-up are important because some patients will relapse in the long term. © 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.