Injection Snoreplasty
What can I do about my snoring?
Snoring is a common problem which can be very disruptive to a patient’s bed partner. The problem occurs when tissues in the throat vibrate while sleeping. Usually this is due to the airway being too narrow or the tissue being too floppy. Patients try various things such as breath rite strips, nasal devices, jaw devices and allergy medications. Though there are various surgical procedures and treatments available, the outcomes can be variable. Injection snoreplasty was first described in 2001 as a simple in office procedure to help with snoring.
What is injection snoreplasty?
Injection snorepalsty is an injection of a medication called Sotradecol into the soft palate. This medication causes damage to the tissue leaves behind scar tissue. The scar tissue stiffens the soft palate and reduces the vibration. This procedure is not indicated for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
How affective is the injection snoreplasty?
Patients have improved symptoms 92% of the time, but may require more than one treatment 6-8 weeks apart (average 1.8 treatments).
How is the procedure done?
The procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia. Lidocaine is injected into the palate and then the sotradecol is injected into the palate. Patients go home right afterwards. Most patients have only mild discomfort, but some have a sore throat for a week. There are no restrictions after the procedure and patients can go back to their normal routine immediately after the procedure.
