Ofer Jacobowitz, MD, PhD, FAASM
Surgical procedures for snoring have evolved and now have improved efficacy. But patient expectations should be set reasonably for snoring reduction, and some patients may need adjunctive treatments. Palatal stiffening has been performed for many years using radiofrequency, laser, chemical injection, and Pillar inserts, but often I have found these procedures to not be efficacious enough alone. I find that releasing the posterior and lateral palatal webbing (elongated palatal curtain) under local anesthesia is key to decrease snoring. Over the last few years, for some patients, I have also added barbed suture suspension. Barbed sutures have micro-grips that allow me to obtain a palatal lift. The combination of stiffening, shortening the vibratory segment, and lifting can produce excellent results for many patients.
Ofer Jacobowitz, MD, PhD, FAASM, called “Dr J” by his patients, is a fellow of the AASM, board certified sleep specialist and otolaryngologist, and head and neck surgeon. He is past chair of the AASM’s Sleep-related Breathing Disorders section and of all membership sections. He is an assistant professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Visit his practice’s website at www.entandallergy.com/jacobowitz.
References
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