Somnoplasty Surgery – What Is It All About?

Somnoplasty surgery is the only surgical option that uses temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy (TCRF) to reduce and tighten enlarged tissues in the upper airway tract like such as the tonsils, nasal passages, palate and base of tongue.

Developed by Somnus Medical Technologies, the procedure received FDA approval in 1997 for the treatment of habitual snoring and upper airway resistance syndrome. Today it is used successfully for treating habitual snoring (soft palate/uvula) and chronic nasal obstruction (enlarged inferior turbinates), obstructive sleep apnea caused by deviated septum, and more.

The working principle

The technology is based on the principle of generating low levels of radiofrequency thermal energy at 85° C (185° F) and using that heat to the relevant sections of uvula or soft palate to clearing obstructions in the air passage. The heat is applied below the surface mucosa of obstructive tissues. The body then absorbs the burnt tissues over a period of 3 to 8 weeks resulting in significant volume reduction of obstructive tissues.

Essentially, the heat not only burns the tissues but also stiffens them, resulting in substantial reduction and often total elimination of snoring.

Based on the nature and location of obstruction in the respiratory tract, the tongue, throat or the soft palate is pierced with the help of a single-use electrode that is heated between 158 and 176 degrees in about 30 minutes.

How does the procedure ensure safety and comfort?

The procedure that is one of the most popular choices of treatment, burns the tissues attached to the obstructive muscles leaving the outer tissues unscathed. For example, the taste buds, etc do not get affected. There is an insulating sleeve placed at the base of the needle (electrode) that protects the surface tissues from any damage caused by heat, etc. This results in significant reduction of post-operative pain and discomfort.

The procedure when used to treat sleep apnea is performed under local anesthesia, at the outpatient clinic of the ENT specialist and takes not more than 30 to 45 minutes, with an additional 5 top 10 minutes required for delivery of heat energy. The patient is monitored ove
ight and released the next day. For achieving desired results, a patient may need more than one surgical intervention.

Why not conventional surgery?

First of all, there is minimal hospital stay, which undoubtedly impacts the finances needed for getting relief from an illness, as distressful as snoring or apnea. Secondly, facilities are equipped to control the delivery of thermal energy and maintain a constantly low temperature during the entire operation, thereby ensuring optimum reduction of post-operative pain.

Traditional surgeries invariably involve pain, discomfort and the need for taking sedatives and pain-killers for several weeks after the surgery. On the other hand, this procedure does involve some amount of inflammation, loss of smell, etc but these side-effects remain with manageable limits and subside after taking pain medicines only for two or three days.

Are there special somnoplasty doctors?

Not all doctors are equipped to handle this procedure. You need to contact an experienced and knowledgeable ENT surgeon who can do the operation. However, only 300 such doctors are available across USA, who is trained with the technology of radio frequency ablation.

Some sites on the internet can be particularly helpful in locating such surgeons in your area. If your doctor has advised you somnoplasty surgery, it is best not to delay as the more time you take, you are giving more time to the illness to worsen.