Long-Term Results of Palatal Implants for Primary Snoring

Maurer JT et al. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (2005) 133,573-578 This study followed patients with snoring (no sleep apnea) for one year after the Pillar Implants. My take: Snoring improvement – as assessed by the bed partner – improved from an average of 7/10 to 4/10.  There was some worsening at 1 year in 12% but I think this number is acceptable.  The biggest problem I see in this study is the response in snoring using the SNAP-recordings - although these were only done in 19 out of a possible 40 patients in the study.  In this group, bed partners may be overestimating how much improvement there has  been.  This may be due to what is called the placebo effect.  I would like to see this part of the study redone.      Summary: Forty patients with primary snoring (no sleep apnea) were implanted with the Pillar Implant System and followed for one year.  Thirty two patients completed all information for the 1 year study.  Snoring was assessed using a questionnaire filled out by the bed partner ranking snoring from 1 to 10 as well as SNAP-recordings (records snoring sounds) in 19 patients.  This was done at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year following surgery.  Results: Bed partner rating of snoring improved from an average of 7.1/10 before the procedure to 4.2/10 three months after.  This worsened slightly to 4.8/10 at 1 year.  The relapse rate is about 12%.  The snoring index using the SNAP-recorder (a device used to measure snoring loudness) was used to score the loudest snores during the night and how frequent snoring occurred.  This was unchanged before and 90 days after the procedure.  At 90 days, 38/40 patients and their bed partners were pleased and would recommend the procedure.  At one year, 36/40 would recommend the procedure (90%).  The reason why some would not was inadequate control of snoring. Complications: No patient needed narcotics.  Most used Tylenol for 1 to 4 days after the procedure.  Nobody had to take time off work.  There was no significant problem with speech or swallowing.  One out of 4 patients (25%) had a partial extrusion (the implant started to come out) of the implant at some point in the first year.  These were removed without difficulty and most did not have to be replaced. Set as favorite Bookmark Email This Comments (0) Write comment Name Email Comment smaller | bigger I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage. Add Comment