High energy single session radiofrequency tongue treatment in obstructive sleep apnea surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and outcomes of a high-energy single session treatment as an alternative to a cumulative energy multiple staged approach when using temperature-controlled radiofrequency tissue ablation (TCRFTA) for tongue base obstruction in sleep apnea surgery.

Study Design And Methods: Retrospective study of 176 consecutive Fujita II (tongue and palate level obstruction) patients undergoing single session palate, tonsil, and nasal surgery, and concurrent tongue base TCRFTA by the application of 10,500 J of energy.

Results: Median follow-up was 156.5 days. There were no serious complications. There were five (2.8%) superficial tongue ulcers, and three (1.7%) persistent taste disturbances after treatment; 174 patients were on sustainable oral intake and adequate oral pain control within 24 hours of surgery; 98 had comparable post operative sleep studies. Apnea-hypopnea indexes decreased from 35.3 +/- 23.9 to 22.6 +/- 21.5 (P < 0.0001). Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores improved from 11.2 +/- 4.9 to 5.9 +/- 4.6 (P < 0.000001).

Conclusion: High energy single session tongue base TCRFTA is a safe procedure with low morbidity.