Coblation assisted uvulopalato-plasty

Coblation is a modern surgical technique that uses radiofrequency energy to form low-temperature plasma in a saline solution. The coblation technique causes molecular disintegration, removal or reduction of tissue, and stops bleeding, if it occurs. Being a very precise technique, coblation does not affect the surrounding tissue because the plasma field is only 100-200 μm around the electrode.

• Snoring.
• Mild and moderate sleep apnea.

The decision on your surgery is taken during a pre-operative visit when a doctor assesses your eligibility. At the visit the doctor also chooses the treatment and orders necessary tests. The decision is made on the basis of test results and your general condition. Then a convenient date is selected.

• Before the procedure you should have the following blood tests done: full blood count, INR, APTT and blood type with immune antibodies (not earlier than 2 weeks before the procedure).
• If you have other medical conditions, please consult your attending doctors and bring a certificate that there are no contraindications to the surgical procedure.
• If you are on anticoagulant treatment, you should switch to subcutaneous injections for 7 days before the procedure and 10 days after the procedure.
• Consult with the operating doctor whether to take any medications on the day of the procedure.
• You should not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the procedure.

• The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and lasts for about 30 minutes.
• During the procedure palatopharyngeal arches are incised and a uvula is shortened to make more space in the throat. Special trenches are made in the soft palate to make tissues more rigid.

When in home please follow the guidelines below:

• Drink a lot of cool water.
• Eat tepid and soft food.
• Eat ice cream to reduce swelling and pain.
• Avoid hot and spicy food, alcohol, fizzy drink and citrus juice.
• Limit physical exertion for 14 days.