Er:Yag Laser Treatment of Simple Snorers in an Outpatient Setting

Abstract

Objective: Snoring occurs as a result of soft tissue vibration caused by a partial upper airway collapse during sleep. This study evaluated the effectiveness and potential adverse side effects associated with the use of a nonsurgical, erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser treatment for patients with snoring conditions. Materials and Methods: In total, 33 patients with different degrees of snoring were analyzed retrospectively. All patients received three NightLase™ Er:YAG laser treatments. Results were measured using a follow-up questionnaire and then statistically analyzed. Any effects that occurred during the first year after treatment (i.e., short-term effects) were followed up with interviews. Results: Laser treatment effectively reduced patients' snoring and achieved a 65% satisfaction rate after three treatments. The greatest improvement and satisfaction were experienced by patients aged ≥50 years. Patients reported additional benefits from this treatment including easier breathing, higher alertness, and increased focus. Conclusion: Nonsurgical Er:YAG laser treatment is an effective and minimally invasive procedure to reduce patient snoring and other sleep-disordered breathing symptoms. Patients reported minimal disadvantages including minor discomfort and a low risk of side effects.

Minimally invasive erbium laser treatment for selected snorers

“…Cetinkaya et al obtained a 65% satisfaction rate in 33 patients after three laser sessions as indicated by the questionnaire. The best results were obtained in the group of patients above 50 years of age [21]. Storchi et al analyzed a group of 40 patients treated for snoring with the Er:YAG laser.…”

“…All the above surgical procedures are associated with the need for (local or general) anesthesia and the possibility of complications and pain in the postoperative period. In the recent years, there have been studies on the treatment options of respiratory disorders during sleep using the Erbium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Er:YAG) laser [21][22][23]. This procedure does not require anesthesia and is not associated with pain.…”

Treatment of snoring disorder with a non-ablactive Er:YAG laser dual mode protocol. An interventional study

“…Snoring is a common social problem worldwide, with studies indicating that 45% of people often snore, more often in man and elderly people ( 1 - 3 ). Snoring sound could result from the vibration of the oropharynx tissues when there is a partial collapse of the upper airways, specially of soft palate, lateral walls of the pharynx, and the base of the tongue ( 2 ).…”

“…Several risk factors contribute to this condition such as obesity, alcoholism, consumption of sedatives, smoking, old age, anatomical variations that causes airway obstruction including long soft palate and also uvula with a longer length, hormonal problems, low tonus of the muscles of the throat or tongue, and hypertrophy of tonsils ( 1 - 3 ).…”

“…The treatment modalities for this disorder may involve surgical and non-surgical procedures. The first intervention is related with the elimination of alcohol, smoking habits and promotion of exercise and controlled diet ( 1 , 3 ). Then, several options include mandibular advancement devices, or even positive pressure device (CPAP), here in cases of snoring associated to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) ( 1 , 3 ).…”