Guidance
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Radiofrequency ablation of the soft palate for snoring in January, 2014.
Description
Snoring is a noisy inspiratory sound produced by vibration and partial airway obstruction in the pharynx. It is a form of sleep-disordered breathing, and can lead to disrupted sleep, daytime tiredness and poor concentration – both for the person who snores and for anyone sleeping close by. Snoring can be associated with obstructive or central sleep apnoea. However, for the purpose of this overview, the reviewed studies included patients who had an oxygen saturation level no lower than 85%.
Conservative treatments involve lifestyle changes, including weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, stopping smoking and sleep position training. Physical appliances (such as dental or oral devices) have also been used to maintain normal airflow dynamics during sleep. Procedures available for pharyngeal airway obstruction include laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).
Coding recommendations
F32.8 Other specified other operations on palate
Y11.4 Radiofrequency controlled thermal destruction of organ NOC