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Injection Snoreplasty Snoring concerns all of us. It may be annoying or a sign of more serious sleep apnea (OSA). Your physician and office staff has evaluated the snoring with a careful questionnaire, examination, possibly fiberoptic naso-laryngoscopy as well as oximetry with the SNAP machine. If any apnea is discovered, we may want further analysis, using an in-lab sleep analysis. After this evaluation, we feel that a reduction in palate volume and motion is necessary. Some have tried short-term use of snoring sprays in order to lubricate and reduce friction. A permanent means of achieving this is the Injection Snoreplasty treatment series. Other treatments include LAUP, UPPP, uvula excision and Somnoplasty RF reduction of the palate. Choice of procedure depends on many factors including time away from work, etc. Compared to Somnoplasty, we can offer the procedure at a reduced price since we do not need the expensive headpieces and RF generator or the Somnoplasty. Injection Snoreplasty involves the injection of a sclerosing solution, Sotradecol, into the soft palate. Sotradecol is FDA approved for sclerotherapy. After local anesthesia, injection of about 1-2cc of 1-3% Sotradecol is necessary; this usually needs to be done at least twice in order to reduce snoring. Long term results are not know at this time, but are presumed to be similar to that achieved by Somnoplasty. Initial results by Drs. Brietzke and Mair of Walter Reed were reported in May 2001. Goals include reduction of snoring without significant pain, avoiding general anesthesia and hospitalization. After Injection Snoreplasty, snoring may briefly worsen due to swelling. Edema of the palate may be helped with steroids. Sleeping with head up for 1-2 nights also may be helpful. If pain develops, usually due to an surface ulceration, a narcotic may be necessary. Otherwise, you may need very little medication other than Chlorseptic lozenges and ibuprofin. We will have you return after 6 weeks, the period necessary to achieve scarring of the palate. If another treatment is deemed necessary, we can do that at the same time. |
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