Columbus Otolaryngology Clinic Snoreplasty Page

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Do You Snore?

Is “Injection Snoreplasty” Right For You?

Picture of snoring

Simple

Inexpensive

Well Tolerated

Office Procedure

Minimal Discomfort

No Dietary Changes

Patient Information

A new office procedure for snoring, relatively painless and less expensive than previous procedures, was first described at the Annual Meeting of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery held in Washington, D.C. in September, 2000 and again in Denver, CO, in September 2001. These meetings were attended by Dr. Novotny.

Injection Snoreplasty is a promising and simple method of controlling snoring that appears to be safe, inexpensive, and relatively pain free. Initial clinical experience by Dr. Scott E. Brietzke and Dr. Eric A. Mair at Walter Reed Medical Clinic in Washington, D.C. involving 27 patients reported 92% success rate in snoring control. Their peer reviewed article appeared in the May 2001 issue of a leading otolaryngology journal. The mechanism of snore reduction was described by using an injectable sclerosing agent to promote scar tissue at the palate, stiffening it and diminishing the "flutter" noise of snoring.

Careful evaluation and selection of patients who would potentially benefit is very important to achieve maximum success with this procedure. The primary source of snoring may not always be palatal. Palate snoring contribution is variable and in some cases, only 20, 30 or 40% of the sound has its origin at the palate.

The long-term effects of Injection Snoreplasty in achieving lasting snore control are not currently known because the procedure is so new. It is possible that additional future palatal injections may be necessary to control reemerging snoring. Finally, this procedure is not currently recommended as a cure for sleep apnea and its effect on sleep apnea is unknown. This procedure is not recommended for children.

Consent Form

The Injection Snoreplasty procedure is new, and a detailed consent form will be required to be signed prior to this procedure. Please read it over carefully. Certain medical conditions are currently considered to be contraindications in the application of this sclerosing injectable solution. The solution has been used for over 20 years and has an excellent safety record.

Initial Evaluation Visit

A complete ENT exam, including a fiberoptic endoscopy of the upper airway is an important first step in deciding whether the procedure is right for you. Sleep-disordered breathing may have a variety of causes. It is also necessary to determine if a sleep apnea condition exists by means of the initial ENT examination. You will be given a sleep questionnaire to complete. A “SNAP” home sleep study may be suggested, which not only helps to detect sleep apnea, but helps to locate the site of the snoring. The “SNAP” testing also measures snore intensity.

If sleep apnea is suspected, a conventional overnight sleep study may be recommended for further evaluation.

Cost Of Treatment & Insurance

The initial comprehensive ENT evaluation and fiberoptic endoscopy are necessary to evaluate your sleep disorder, and this is generally covered by your insurance company.

The “SNAP” home sleep study is generally covered by your insurance company also, and additional insurance evaluation is offered and recommended by “SNAP”, prior to the procedure.

The cost of the Injection Snoreplasty procedure is $225.00, and possibly two (2) treatments may be necessary. We request that the $225.00 be paid on or prior to your procedure, as the procedure itself will not be covered by your insurance company in most instances.

There are no office charges during the thirty (30) day post-procedure period relating to the injection. Thereafter, an “established patient” follow-up office visit fee is charges.

Since this is an office based procedure, there are no hospital related charges.

Procedures and Expectations

Please allow at least thirty (30) minutes for the procedure. A topical anesthetic will be administered to the back of the throat. A small amount of sclerosing fluid is injected just under the surface lining of the palate at the base of the uvula. There will be a minor sore throat in the roof of the mouth at the injection site.

It may take some patients longer than others to feel the relief from the injection. Swallowing should not be a problem, and there are no voice or dietary changes necessary. The palate and/or uvula will feel swollen for a while. Pain medications can be ordered after the procedure if necessary. You may return to work or home the same day.

Snoring improvement may not be noticeable immediately as it takes time for the palate tissue to scar and contract, giving the desired result.

If you feel that you could benefit from this procedure, or know of someone who might, we would be happy to make an appointment for evaluation of having “Injection Snoreplasty”.

Columbus Otolaryngology Clinic

Nila M. Novotny, M.D.

4508 38th St., Suite #152

Columbus, NE 68601-1668

402-563-4500 FAX: 402-563-3520

After Hours/Emergency 402-562-3179

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