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Punctate diathermy of the soft palate: a new approach in the surgical management of snoring

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

David J. Whinney ,
Peter A. Williamson  and
Philip G. Bicknell
David J. Whinney
Affiliation:
University Department of Otolaryngology, St. Michael's Hospital, Bristol.
Peter A. Williamson*
Affiliation:
University Department of Otolaryngology, St. Michael's Hospital, Bristol.
Philip G. Bicknell
Affiliation:
University Department of Otolaryngology, St. Michael's Hospital, Bristol.
*
Mr P. A. Williamson, Department of Otolaryngology, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, Avon.
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Abstract

We present our experience in the surgical management of 21 snorers, utilizing a new approach designed to stiffen the palatal musculature, without compromising its function. This was achieved by using a punctate patterna of intrapalatal diathermy to achieve fibrosis within the palate and hence the requisite stiffening. The initial results of this procedure are encouraging showing a subjective improvement in snoring in 85.7 per cent of patients and an increase in sleeping in the same room as their partner every night, from 14.3 per cent pre-operatively to 57.1 per cent post-operatively.

Keywords

SnoringPalate, soft, surgery
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 109 , Issue 9 , September 1995 , pp. 849 - 852
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1995

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