Injection snoreplasty: how to treat snoring without all the pain and expense

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001 May;124(5):503-10. doi: 10.1067/mhn.2001.115400.

Abstract

Objective: We introduce Injection Snoreplasty: an innovative, safe, and effective palatal snoring procedure with minimal cost and discomfort to the patient. A well-described sclerotherapy agent, Sotradecol, is injected into the soft palate to reduce/eliminate palatal flutter snoring.

Study design and setting: Twenty-seven patients with a diagnosis of palatal flutter snoring (respiratory disturbance index less than 10) by sleep study were enrolled in the protocol. Office treatment sessions were performed 6 to 8 weeks apart. Success was judged by subjective improvement in snoring and objective evidence of palatal stiffening/scarring.

Results: Twenty-five (92%) of 27 patients reported significant decrease in snoring. There were no significant postinjection complications. Visual analog pain scale confirmed minimal discomfort. Most patients received more than 1 treatment (average, 1.8) in order to receive optimal palatal stiffening.

Conclusion/significance: Injection Snoreplasty is a simple, safe, and effective office treatment for primary snoring. Advantages over current snoring procedures include simplicity, low cost, decreased posttreatment pain levels, and minimal/no convalescence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sclerosing Solutions / therapeutic use*
  • Snoring / therapy*
  • Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Sclerosing Solutions
  • Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate