Complications of radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing

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 (I I 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.