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Multilevel temperature‐controlled radiofrequency therapy of soft palate, base of tongue, and tonsils in adults with obstructive sleep apnea

Objectives/Hypothesis: The concept of two‐level pharyngeal collapse in patients with obstructive sleep apnea is too simplified. Aggressive multilevel surgeries addressing several airway segments, including skeletal surgery, demonstrate improved success rates. Study Design: The study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of multilevel radiofrequency application to soft palate, tonsils, and base of tongue in 16 white patients (mean age, 56.9 ± 11.1 y; mean body mass index, 27.3 ± 2.6 kg/m 2 ) with obstructive sleep apnea. There was one dropout. Therapeutic effects after one treatment session were assessed 20.6 ± 12.6 weeks postoperatively. Treatment outcome measurements were based on Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Likert scales, and polysomnography. Methods: Every patient received 16 treatment sites with a total dose of 9750 J radiofrequency energy into soft palate, base of tongue, and tonsils. Success was defined as respiratory disturbance index equal to or less than 20 or at least 50% improvement if baseline respiratory disturbance index was less than 20. Statistical analysis was determined with the Spearman rank test. Results: Mean score on Epworth Sleepiness Scale decreased from 11.1 to 8.2 (P = .0001). Of the patients, 53.3% reported improvement of their daytime sleepiness. Snoring was assessed with 10‐point Lickert scale, and score decreased from 7.5 to 4.9 (P = .08). Mean respiratory disturbance index decreased from 32.6 δ 17.4 to 22.0 δ 15.0 (P = .003). By our definition of success, 5 of 15 patients (33%) have been treated successfully surgically and 4 of 15 (27%) had remarkable improvement after one treatment session; 1 patient (6.6%) demonstrated deterioration. There were two adverse effects, one superficial ulceration of the soft palate and one unilateral tonsillar abscess formation, with an overall complication rate of 13.3% for our patients and 0.41% for all treatment sites (n = 240). Conclusion: Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea usually requires multilevel pharyngeal surgery. Radiofrequency offers the potential of altering the upper airway on different sites.