Surgery that reduces the intensity of snoring

Researchers from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra have demonstrated the benefits of a surgery called Double-W with barbed suturesa minimally invasive intervention to tighten the soft palate that reduces the intensity of snoring by half. The results are published in the journal European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology.

The operation is carried out with local anesthesia and without the need for hospital admission. It is indicated for adults who snore intensely but no moderate or severe apnea nor other associated conditions such as obesity.

Its goal is for the palate to rise and become more rigid so that it vibrates less during sleep. According to the specialist Peter Baptistafrom the Clinic’s Sleep Unit, “80% of patients reduced their snoring by half intensity and many stopped snoring daily“. Serious complications did not occur and the most frequent discomfort was pain when swallowing, treated with analgesics. The data that best summarizes patient satisfaction: 87% would repeat the intervention if necessary.

Alternatives for those who suffer from apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a disease that causes daytime sleepiness, nighttime choking, morning headaches, or restless sleep. For those who suffer from it, the first choice treatment is CPAPa device that keeps the airways open using continuous positive pressure. However, not all patients tolerate it.

One of the effective alternatives that exist is hypoglossal nerve stimulationwhich “consists of placing an electronic implant using a minimally invasive surgical technique,” explains the specialist Jorge de Abajoalso from the Clinic. The device electrically stimulates certain branches of that nerve, maintaining muscle tone in the pharyngeal and preventing airway collapse.

Another option, indicated when there is hypertrophy of the lingual tonsil, is reduction of that tonsil through robotic surgerywith a 90% success rate. The technique expands the diameter of the upper airway to prevent its collapse during sleep.

“Those who suffer from this syndrome should know that there are different therapeutic options to deal with your situation. It is important that you be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team that advises and guides you in the process of recover quality of life“Baptisa concluded.