Injection SnoreplastyInjection Snoreplasty is a surgical technique to eliminate snoring that works by reducing the flexibility of the soft palate and the uvula. The snoring sound is often produced by the vibrations of the soft palate and uvula when breathing. The principle is similar to several available snoring surgery options. However the Injection Snoreplasty procedure involves injecting a sclerosing agent (normally Sotradecol®) into the soft palate and uvula. This agent causes an inflammatory reaction at the site that leads to the creation of scar tissue and the stiffening of the surrounding tissue. The procedure is comparitivley noninvasive and can be performed in the otolaryngologist's office under local anesthesic. The procedure normally takes several visits, scheduled 6-8 apart. Each visit should take about 15-20 minutes. Injection snoreplasty was developed at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and presented in 2000. They reported that the procedure had a 92% success rate where successful treatment of snoring was defined by statements of "snoring is gone" or "snoring no longer a problem." In a follow up study a year later the same researchers found a relapse rate of 16% which is comparable to other forms of treatment. And 90% said they would be prepared to undergo the procedure again. There are four basic solutions to dealing with your snoring.
There is normally mild pain after the procedure that can usually be managed with pain relief but it can last several weeks. There can be bleeding. There can be some discoloration of the area, that is cosmetic only. The patient may experience some mild headache and/or nausea. More seriously there can be a reaction such as hives, asthma, hayfever and anaphylactic shock. There can be ulceration at the site. Injection Snoreplasty is a relatively new procedure. It is quick but it can be painful for several weeks.
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