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Objective: To determine the long-term (>3 years) outcome of patients suffering from simple snoring or non-severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) treated by radiofrequency ablation of the soft palate., Study Design: Observational retrospective study., Setting: Tertiary care university hospital., Subjects and Methods: Seventy-seven subjects were included between 1999 and 2006. Twenty-seven suffered from mild or moderate OSAS. All patients were treated by radiofrequency-assisted stiffening of the soft palate, with or without uvulectomy. Snoring (assessed on a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS)), marital status, presence of cardiovascular risk factors or pathologies and follow-up time were evaluated by postal questionnaire., Results: Mean follow-up time was 6.3 ± 2.3 years. Mean snoring intensity decreased significantly in the immediate postoperative period (8.1 ± 2.9 to 3.5 ± 2.2 cm on VAS). Over the longer term, however, we observed a significant increase in snoring intensity (5.7 ± 2.9 cm), which nevertheless remained below the preoperative values (P<0.001). Bed-partners noticed a relapse of snoring in 92.7% of cases. Nine percent of couples separated. Hypertension and diabetes were diagnosed during follow-up in 12.1% and 6.6% of the subjects, respectively. A majority of patients failed to undergo repeat polysomnography or further treatment., Conclusion: Relapse of snoring was observed in nearly all patients in the long run, although intensity appears to remain lower than preoperatively. Most patients did not comply with the follow-up instructions and did not seek other forms of treatment when recurrence occurred., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Objectives/hypothesis: To determine whether snoring sound intensity measured after a first soft palate radiofrequency (RF) session for simple snoring helps predict the final result of the treatment., Study Design: Observational retrospective study., Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 105 subjects presenting with simple snoring or mild sleep apnea. All patients underwent two to three sessions of RF-assisted stiffening of the soft palate. In addition, uvulectomy was performed in case of a long uvula, and two paramedian trenches were created in the presence of palatal webbing. Snoring sound intensity was evaluated by the bed partner after each session., Results: Eighty-six men and 19 women were included in the study. Mean age was 51.7 ± 9.8 years, and mean body mass index was 24.7 ± 4.4 kg/m(2) . The mean apnea/hypopnea index was 6.6 ± 4.2/h. The mean snoring sound intensity, as evaluated on a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS), decreased from 8.2 ± 1.5 to 3.5 ± 2.2 after all sessions (P < .0001). A score of 3 was determined as being a score that satisfied the bed partner. Two groups were formed according to the final snoring sound intensity, using 3 as a threshold. Both groups had similar preoperative characteristics, but the snoring sound intensity was significantly lower after the first session in the group with final score <3 (P = .01). Similarly, a VAS score >7 after the first session was associated with a final score <3 in 30% of the cases., Conclusions: Snoring sound intensity after the first RF session helps predict the final outcome of RF-assisted stiffening of the soft palate for simple snoring., (Copyright © 2012 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Purpose: This study aimed to determine if the intensity of breathing noise (including snoring) and/or the presence of abnormal breathing events (ABE) are factors that trigger arousal/awakening of a snorer's bed partner., Methods: We conducted a prospective multicenter study investigating couples where the male had a chronic disturbing snoring. We simultaneously recorded the male's respiration and snoring and the female' sleep. We counted the number of arousals and awakenings during N2 sleep and randomly took nine of each. Then, for periods before, during, and after each arousal and awakening, we observed on the respiratory tracings what was happening in terms of breathing noise intensity and presence/absence of snoring and/or ABE., Results: Thirteen couples were analyzed. The intensity of breathing noise and the presence/absence of snoring and/or ABE were comparable before and at initiation of arousal/awakening and between arousal and awakening. However, breathing volume intensity was lower and the presence of snoring and/or ABE was less frequent when the bed partner returned back to sleep from awakening compared to the other periods (p always <0.001)., Conclusions: The intensity of breathing noise or the presence of ABE does not seem to be essential to trigger an arousal or an awakening. However, the persistence of noise or events may prolong the duration of wakefulness during the sleep period and could be one factor that explains the bothersome snoring.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) may be suspected at interview, notably in case of snoring. Various studies suggested a link between primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and OSAS. The present study sought to determine OSAS prevalence in POAG associated with snoring., Material and Methods: Thirty-one snoring glaucomatous patients prospectively underwent simplified polysomnography. Ophthalmologic examination ruled out secondary glaucoma and assessed the glaucomatous neuropathy., Results: 49% of the patients included were diagnosed with OSAS. Ophthalmologically, glaucoma showed no specific characteristics., Conclusion: Given the high-prevalence of OSAS in patients with POAG, presence of snoring should be explored at interview. Conversely, patients who snore should be asked whether they have POAG, and if so, should undergo all-night sleep recording to explore for OSAS., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the present study was to objectively measure the effect of sleeping alone for one night on sleep quality in female bed partners of male snorers. Females complaining of poor sleep due to snoring by their bed partner and having no known hearing loss or snoring were included in a prospective multicentre cross-sectional study. 23 females underwent one polysomnography recording while sleeping with their bed partner and another while sleeping alone. Their sleep parameters were compared between the two nights. We excluded seven couples because the female partner snored for >10% of the sleep time (n = 6) or had obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (n = 1). In the remaining 16 females, sleep time, sleep efficiency, arousal index and percentages of deep sleep (stages 3-4) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep were not significantly different between the two nights. Percentages of light sleep (non-REM stage 2) and awakening index were lower when sleeping alone (p = 0.023 and p = 0.046, respectively). Sleep quality was decreased and sleep fragmentation increased in females sleeping with male snorers. Some females had unrecognised snoring. However, our data do not suggest that objective sleep quality improves substantially in the female nonsnoring partner when she sleeps alone for one night.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of four radiofrequency generators (Ellman, Select Sutter, Coblator, Somnus) for the treatment of simple snoring., Materials and Methods: Multicenter, randomized, prospective single-blind study on 120 selected patients with simple snoring (apnea/hypopnea index <10/h of sleep). Snoring sound intensity was measured on a visual analog scale and the partner's short-term satisfaction rate was evaluated after two treatment sessions maximum. Discomfort, pain, and medication intake were compared., Results: Radiofrequency decreased the snoring sound intensity from 7.9 +/- 1.7 to 4.4 +/- 2.7 (P < 0.0001). The four radiofrequency generators had a statistically comparable efficacy. The Ellman generator caused less discomfort and required less anti-inflammatory drugs., Conclusion: Despite different technical characteristics, the four generators had a comparable efficacy with good safety. The Ellman generator induced the least discomfort.

Objective: To compare efficacy and tolerance of controlled temperature radiofrequency and laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (LAUP) for the treatment of snoring., Methods: This was a prospective, nonrandomized study on 30 patients who snored. All patients had a sleep night study. Only patients with simple snoring or mild sleep apnea and soft palate obstruction were included. Efficacy was subjectively evaluated by the bed partner 2 months after the last treatment. Tolerance was estimated daily by the patient during 18 first postoperative days. Discomfort, pain, medication intake, diet, and number of days off from work were assessed., Results: Both treatments were effective on snoring. Mean discomfort and pain as well as mean intake of analgesics were significantly greater with laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty., Conclusion: Controlled temperature radiofrequency was as effective as laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty on snoring on a short-term basis but was better tolerated.

Unlabelled: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and laser pharyngotomy can provide effective and definitive cure of snoring. These methods are however very painful. The ideal treatment would be not only effective but also pain free., Material and Methods: We assessed prospectively the efficacy and tolerance to temperature controlled radiofrequency (somnoplasty). This technique was applied to the velar palate in 15 snoring patients. Self assessment was used to evaluate outcome. The patients daily recorded: uneasiness, pain, drug use, and food intake. Their spouse scored snoring for 6 to 8 weeks after the end of treatment and more than 6 months after the last treatment session., Results: We achieved 80% success after 2.1 sessions. Pain was minimal. A sensation of uneasiness was frequent and led to minimal drug use. After a mean 13 months, half of the patients experienced a recurrence or an aggravation of their snoring level. Overall satisfaction rate was 69%., Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest that radiofrequency is well tolerated and effective in the short- and mid-term for the treatment of snoring.

Two treatments are habitually proposed for snoring without obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: the surgical pharyngotomy, and the treatment by laser done in the office. Our study analyses retrospectively, by telephone questionnaire, a group of 168 snorers, without obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, treated by pharyngotomy (n = 71) or CO2 laser (n = 97) between 1989 and 1993. Results after a mean follow-up of 5 years, with a minimal of 3 years, show for the two procedures the same efficacity, and an equivalent prevalence of side effects. The rate of satisfaction for the patient and her bed-partner is about 50%, in relation to a degradation of therapeutic effect in the long run. We propose to precisely the results and the indications of the surgery and the laser for treatment of uncomplicated rhonchopathy.

Velopharyngeal stenosis is a rare complication of pharyngotomy (UPPP) for chronic snoring. Its treatment is hard because of its recidivant feature. The aim of this study was to determine a therapeutic strategy accorded to each stenosis from clinical and anatomical features of 13 velopharyngeal stenosis. Therapeutic behavior was function of patients complains, of the ground (associated chronic rhinosinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea) and clinical findings (partial or total stenosis, tonsil remainders, short or long residual soft palate). From these data, treatment was medical (1 case) or surgical (12 cases), searching lateral velopharyngeal mucosa recovery in order to avoid recidive of stenosis. This aim needed locoregional mucosal grafts in 4 patients with short soft palate. Patients complains were improved in all cases and there was no patient with recurrence of stenosis. The best treatment of velopharyngeal stenosis still remains a preventive one, by respecting a severe surgical technique during pharyngotomy for chronic snoring.

CO2 laser pharyngotomy is a newly described technique used in treatment bronchopathy without sleep apnea syndrome. Retrospective results of 70 CO2 laser pharyngotomies and 63 surgical pharyngoplasties are studied and compared. All patients were SAS free snoring patients. The results were rated satisfactory by 54% of the CO2 Laser treated patients against 78% for classical surgery. CO2 laser pharyngotomy is an easy procedure done in the office. The complication rate is very low. The predictive criteria upon which one can select the best procedure for each particular patient remain largely unknown.

Uvulopalatoplasty was performed (whether or not associated with tonsillectomy and/or septoplasty) in 1,222 cases of chronic rhonchopathy. Among them, 65 cases consisted of pre- and postoperatively registered sleep apnea syndrome. Clinical results were assessed on improvement of preoperative snoring, apneas, morning asthenia, daily sleepiness. Surgery was totally successful in 50% of cases, partially in 35%. Failure was encountered in 15% of cases. Failure or partial improvement are related to the preoperative presence of one or several of five particular risk factors: neck shortness, tongue hypertrophia, retrognathia, obesity and nasal pathology. Surgical complications were rare. Severe rhinolalia occurred in five cases: only three of them were sufficiently to accept plastic reconstruction which was successful.

A cephalometric study was carried out on 98 patients assigned to 3 groups including 48 patients with sleep apnea, 25 patients with chronic rhonchopathy without apnea, and 25 controls, respectively. 44 patients benefited from lateral teleroentgenographic investigations and 54 had sagittal-median NMR sections visualized. Various distance, angle and area measurements were obtained. The authors found that anomalies were the more severe that snoring was associated with sleep apnea. These arguments speak for an evolutional character of the disease. The various cephalometric anomalies were primarily related to the hyoglossal apparatus, more rarely to the maxillary-mandibular basal bones. After this analysis, the authors propose a therapeutic strategy for the management of chronic snoring associated with sleep apnea.

Results and complications were analyzed in 201 patients operated upon by uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for benign or moderately severe rhonchopathy, after elimination of the sleep apnea syndrome as confirmed after follow up for between 15 and 30 months, and showed total recovery from snoring in 60% of cases, an improvement in 26.5% and lack of efficacy in 13.5%. Social and familial relations were improved concomitantly as well as the functional and general disorders usually attributed to snoring (asthenia, somnolence, sleep hypopnea). Various usually minor functional disorders remain, including the sensation of a pharyngeal paresthesia, the most frequent sequela (19.5% of cases).

Surgical treatment of snoring requires suppression both of the obstacle responsible for the nocturnal respiratory noise but also of the chronic hypoxia on which the sleep of these patients is grafted. The soft palate and its appendages (uvula and tonsillar pillars) are always involved. Precise definition of extent of palatal resection ensures success of operation and avoidance of nasal regurgitation of food or rhinolalia postoperatively. Nasal ventilation must be normal; a septoplasty is sometimes unavoidable and postoperative medical treatment of rhinitis necessary. The pharyngeal lumen must be as wide as possible and tonsillectomy is sometimes required. Indications for these three stages : palatal, nasal and pharyngeal are described, omitting details of maxillary osteotomies capable of improving certain major retrognathies since these are only exceptionally indicated. Details of anesthetic requirements are emphasized and results obtained described.

Chronic rhonchopathy groups all clinical forms of a disease having a common functional sign: snoring. Surgical treatments form part of a therapeutic strategy which includes medical treatment, essentially reduction in body weight, and nocturnal respiratory prosthetic treatments, essentially continuous positive pressure respiration. First intention surgery is an uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPP) with or without tonsillectomy. In the severe forms of chronic rhonchopathy, after failure of UPP, major surgery:protrusion mandibular osteotomy or reduction glossectomy can be associated with the other treatments.

Results of several surveys of variable complexity have provided confirmation that snoring is not only an overall sleep preventer but is mainly an unrecognized asphyxia. Comparison of groups of snorers and non-snorers, and evaluation of biologic and functional improvement following surgical treatment of snoring, have shown that this chronic nocturnal hypoxia is, with the snoring as such, the essential feature of a well individualized new disease for which the term chronic rhonchopathy is proposed. This affection is composed of different clinical aspects of several syndromes, notably the Pickwickian and sleep apnea syndromes. However, a latent form also exists in which snoring is the only symptom, as well as a decompensated form with multiple signs related to the underlying condition. Improvement follows suppression of the respiratory obstacle provoking snoring. The most frequent of these signs is drowsiness, particularly when driving, and is the one with the heaviest social consequences.

Surgical results in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) vary greatly, whatever the surgical technique or site treated. Most authors agree that rigorous patient selection is logical and mandatory. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) was introduced in 1991 and has been rediscovered and used extensively since the 2000s. It mimics sleep in order to observe the upper airway on flexible endoscopy. A review of the DISE literature was performed, and is reported in two parts. The present first part describes the technique: drugs, practical anesthesiologic and ENT modalities, reproducibility, and limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical results in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) vary greatly, whatever the surgical technique or site. Most authors agree that rigorous patient selection is logical and mandatory. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) was introduced in 1991 and has been rediscovered and used extensively since the 2000s. It attempts to mimic natural sleep in order to observe the upper airway on flexible endoscopy in a situation in which obstruction may occur. A review of the DISE literature was performed, and is reported in two parts. The present second part reports DISE results concerning obstruction sites, impact on treatment efficacy and the consequent indications for this exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]