Volumetric tissue reduction in radiofrequency surgery of the tongue base.

OBJECTIVES

Radiofrequency surgery is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of the tongue base in sleep-disordered breathing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in upper airway anatomy induced by radiofrequency surgery with MRI.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

10 patients with sleep-disordered breathing were treated with radiofrequency surgery at tongue base. MRI measurements were performed before and after surgery with the help of a recently published protocol.

RESULTS

The mean total number of energy delivered per patient was 4750 +/- 1641 Joule. Relevant changes could be observed neither for tongue volume or dimension nor for retrolingual space.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in upper airway anatomy could not be demonstrated. The effects of radiofrequency surgery of the tongue base may more likely be a result of changes in upper airway collapsibility.

SIGNIFICANCE

Functional effects of surgical interventions in sleep-disordered breathing should be considered in addition to mechanistic concepts alone.