Radiofrequency UvulopalotoplastyCandidates for this procedure include individuals with socially disruptive snoring and/or mild obstructive sleep apnea. Patients whose snoring and/or obstruction are due to palatal redundancy or enlargement are best suited for radiofrequency techniques. The procedure involves anesthetizing the soft palate with topical and injected agents. Then an electrode is gently guided into the soft tissue substance of the palate. High frequency electrical current is delivered into the lining and free edge of the palate in several areas. The treated areas initially are cut, but then shrink and become more firm resulting in less snoring and/or obstruction. The effects are not realized until 4 weeks later. The procedure is intended to be performed in 2 or 3 stages at 6 week intervals. The average number of treatments is between 2 and 3, but you may discontinue at any time as results differ in every patient. Because third party payers do not consider snoring and/or mild sleep apnea as serious enough conditions to warrant treatment, you are responsible for all of the cost up front. Dr. Speyer will discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives to this procedure with you in detail. Listed below are some of the disclosed risks of undergoing radiofrequency modified uvulopalatoplasty. By reading and signing below, you are stating that you indeed understand the nature of the procedure, the risks as listed, and alternatives to undergoing the procedure. Risks of radiofrequency modified uvulopalatoplasty include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, palate ulcer or fistula, velopharyngeal insufficiency, persistent globus or foreign body sensation in the throat, and failure to improve your snoring. You should not undergo radiofrequency surgery if you have a pacemaker since it can malfunction during the procedure.
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