Sometimes, a snore surgery may be necessary to end the condition. These operations are done using surgical methods. One such operation is somnoplasty. This involves the use of heat energy to modify tissues. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia in an office setting. However, this procedure is not recommended for people with sleep apnea.
Results of snore operation
There are many surgical options available to address snoring. Surgical procedures are effective in most cases and can reduce or eliminate snoring. Some procedures can improve the sound level and reduce the size of the soft palate, which contributes to snoring. The results of a snore surgery will depend on the patient.
Recent research has shown that minimally invasive surgery can reduce the amount of snoring. The results for patients suffering from sleep apnea are not encouraging. Despite the lack of clear evidence, patients often wish to undergo minimally invasive surgery to solve their habitual snoring.
MMA surgery
MMA surgery can reduce snoring and improve sleep quality. Radiofrequency energy is used to create controlled lesions in the soft tissue that cause obstruction. The scarring reduces tissue volume and stiffens remaining tissue. The procedure can be performed in several areas of the airway: the soft palate at the base of tongue, the nasal turbinates, and the soft palate. It is performed under local pain medication.
Very high success rates are possible with MMA surgery. After the procedure, patients are able to return to their normal activities within two to three days. However, the procedure requires a skilled and experienced surgeon.
Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty
Laser-assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (or LAUP) is a surgical procedure that addresses the root causes of loud, habitual snoring. It is performed under local pain relief and uses a CO2 laser in order to open up the airway. Although it's not effective in eliminating all types and forms of snoring the LAUP has demonstrated promising results in reducing upper airway resistance.
LAUP is a single stage procedure that's performed under local pain management. An experienced ENT doctor performs the procedure. The patient will be positioned in a seated place while wearing protective eyeglasses. The surgeon will first apply a 10% liquidocaine solution to the base of the tongue and the palate. A second injection of 2% mepivacaine to the base of each uvula is done. A hand piece attaches the laser to the patient's lips. This is a standard surgical procedure. However, the surgeon may also use a "backstop", which prevents the laser damage to the posterior pharynx.
Ruhrpumpen surgery
In many patients, lifestyle changes and medications are not enough to cure their snoring. Ruhrpumpen may be the only treatment. This procedure uses radiofrequency energy (RFI) to create controlled lesions within soft tissues. These scars narrow the airway and strengthen the remaining tissue. The procedure can also be performed on the base and soft palate of the tongue. The procedure is done under local anesthesia.
Patients who have severe or chronic snoring may also benefit from this surgery. The surgery involves the removal or partial removal of the soft tissue in your throat and sometimes the lower uvula. While it has been used to treat chronic sleep apnea for decades, new techniques have been developed to improve their results.