Things to Do to Ensure Somnoplasty Success Rate

Somnoplasty is one of the newer surgical procedures that aim to cure snoring and sleep apnea. The recorded somnoplasty success rate is higher than the more established sleep apnea surgeries based on patient feedback and doctors’ operation outcome. Complete treatments that range from single to three sessions have recorded a significantly high 95% success rate. That’s almost 40% higher than the recognized average success rates of all apnea surgeries combined. The somnoplasty uses the radio frequency ablation procedure to eliminate blockages in the nasal airways. This medical procedure is already widely accepted and it involves the use of controlled high frequency current. The frequency will burn the target tissues. The burnt or shrunk tissues are then purged naturally by the body. After the wounds heal from the somnoplasty procedure, the doctor would require a check up to determine if another procedure is needed. Healing takes about six to eight weeks. Snoring is significantly reduced even after the first session alone. Generally, the somnoplasty success rate depends on the severity of the blockages, or the amount of excess tissues that has to be removed. It would usually take more than one session to completely address the problem. The actual procedure lasts for about half an hour and patients can usually go back to their normal daily activities after a week or so. Local anaesthesia is used and the procedure is generally less painful than most of the sleep apnea surgeries. There are also several things that the patient could do to increase the chances of healing faster and getting better results from the somnoplasty procedure. A successful surgery translates to fast healing, no infection and achieving the surgery intent, on this case to widen the nasal airways for better breathing and stop the snoring. To avoid somnoplasty side effects like bleeding, blood clots, excessive swelling and other complications that lowers the somnoplasty success rate, is to avoid drinking or sipping hot liquids immediately after the operation. Cold beverages like juices, water or popsicles could alleviate the discomfort. The “full-mouthed” feeling for the first one to two days is also normal due to the increased uvula size. Getting the right doctor to conduct the somnoplasty operation is a must to ensure its success. Your doctor should have enough expertise on the procedure. Qualified doctors will not hesitate to answers inquiries about their education, training, experience and success rate on the surgical procedure. Your doctor should also be upfront on his prognosis after the operation. You may also get second opinions to ensure that your diagnosis is correct. This will ensure that the operation is also appropriate to address your condition. Another important factor to increase your somnoplasty success rate is to proactively fight infection. Take all the prescribed antibiotics, before and after the procedure. Let the operative wounds heal properly by avoiding stress, activities and too much excitement. Simple activities like talking and laughing might compromise the healing process. Avoid company or being people that might compel you to talk and laugh more than you should.