Complications of Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Sleep‐Disordered Breathing
Abstract
Objective To evaluate complications of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing and to outline complication avoidance strategies. Study design and setting Retrospective review of 51 consecutive RFA treatment sessions for SDB to the soft palate and tongue base by a single surgeon at a tertiary medical center. Results Over 2 years, 51 treatments comprising 26 palatal and 25 tongue base RFA treatments were performed for sleep-disordered breathing on 30 patients. Complications included palatal mucosal breakdown (11 cases), temporary tongue base neuralgias (4 cases), uvular sloughing (2 cases), tongue base abscesses (2 cases), and floor of mouth edema with airway compromise (2 cases). Conclusions/significance This is the first paper focusing on complications of RFA. While complications from soft palate RFA present rapidly and are self-limiting, complications from tongue base RFA may be delayed and life threatening. A detailed strategy is provided to avoid and treat these complications.
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No serious adverse events after interstitial radiofrequency have been reported, though overall complication rates ranged from 0% to 50%.
“No serious adverse events after interstitial radiofrequency have been reported, though overall complication rates ranged from 0% to 50% 229–233.”
From Non-CPAP therapies in obstructive sleep apnoea (2011) · cites this paper as [229]
A small number of studies reported moderate complications in terms of severe palatal damage (palatal fistula, uvula loss/sloughing).
“A small number of studies reported moderate complications in terms of severe palatal damage (palatal fistula, uvula loss/sloughing) 229, 230, 234, 235.”
From Non-CPAP therapies in obstructive sleep apnoea (2011) · cites this paper as [229]
The postoperative complication rate of radiofrequency surgery of the tongue base varies between 0 and 41%, and is mostly below 5%.
“The postoperative complication rate varies between 0 and 41%, and is mostly below 5% 229, 232, 233, 263, 267–270.”
From Non-CPAP therapies in obstructive sleep apnoea (2011) · cites this paper as [229]
A severe potential complication of radiofrequency surgery of the tongue base is the formation of an abscess of the tongue base.
“A severe potential complication is the formation of an abscess of the tongue base 229, 232, 262, 271.”
From Non-CPAP therapies in obstructive sleep apnoea (2011) · cites this paper as [229]
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- Authors
- Pazos, G., & Mair, E. A.
- Affiliations
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (US)
- Venue
- Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2001-11
- Volume
- 125
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 462-467
- ISSN
- 0161-6439 (ISSN-L)
- 0194-5998
- 1097-6817
- OpenAlex
- W2014249395
- Cited by
- 58
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2022: 2 · 2021: 2 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 1 · 2014: 4
- FWCI
- 3.36
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Otolaryngology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Nasal Surgery and Airway Studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Rheumatology › Oropharyngeal Anatomy and Pathologies
- Keywords
- radiofrequency ablation, sleep-disordered breathing, obstructive sleep apnea, postoperative complications, airway compromise, complication prevention
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Child, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Retrospective Studies, Sleep Apnea Syndromes, Catheter Ablation, Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
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