Objectives: In this study the efficacy of palatal implants
for treatment of snoring was evaluated.
Patients and Methods: Seventeen patients (10 males,
7 females; mean age 49.2±7.8 years; range 31 to 66
years) with primary snoring and an apnea-hypopnea
index of less than 15 were treated with palatal implants
after clinical and endoscopic examination. Snoringrelated
symptoms were evaluated at baseline and
90 days after surgery and polysomnography was
performed. Patients and their spouses completed
questionnaires and visual analog scales (VAS) evaluating
snoring, apneas, and the intensity, duration, and
social effects of daytime sleepiness at baseline and 90
days after surgery. Pre- and postoperative assesment
results were compared.
Results: Epworth sleepiness scale score was significantly
decreased in the postoperative period (p<0.05).
Postoperative mean VAS snoring, apnea, and daytime
sleepiness scores were also significantly improved
(p<0.01). No patients reported worsening of apnea,
5.9% of patients reported no change in apnea, and
94.1% of patients reported a marked decrease in
apneas. In the postoperative period, 76.4% of patients
reported reduced snoring, and 88.3% of patients
reported reduced daytime sleepiness.
Conclusion: Palatal implants have been demonstrated
to be a safe and effective treatment for snoring
with minimal patient discomfort. Establishing realistic
pretreatment expectations can maximize patient satisfaction.
FREE FULL TEXT
Anahtar Kelimeler: Damak implantları; uyku apne sendromuhorlama; horlama tedavisi.