Pillar procedure

The Mayo Clinic Diet Book, learn more

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

Risks

By Mayo Clinic staff

Studies have reported few complications associated with the pillar procedure. The most commonly reported complication is a tip of an implant protruding through the soft palate tissue (partial extrusion). In that case, the implant can be either removed or replaced.

Other potential complications are usually temporary and resolve on their own, often within a few weeks after surgery. They include:

  • Sore throat
  • Feeling of having a foreign body in the soft palate
  • Swelling
  • Difficulty swallowing

As with any surgical procedure, infection is a possible risk. If you develop a fever after the procedure, contact your doctor.

References
  1. Friedman M, et al. Palatal implants for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome. Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. 2008;138:209.
  2. Gillespie MB, et al. Effectiveness of Pillar palatal implants for snoring management. Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. 2009;140:363.
  3. Saylam G, et al. Do palatal implants really reduce snoring in long-term follow-up? The Laryngoscope. 2009;119:1000.
  4. Nordgard S, et al. Palatal implants: A new method for the treatment of snoring. Acta Oto-laryngologica. 2004;124:970.
  5. Obstructive sleep apnea. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec05/ch061/ch061b.html. Accessed Jan. 4, 2011.
  6. Sleep apnea. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/SleepApnea/SleepApnea_WhatIs.html. Accessed Jan. 4, 2011.
  7. Steward DL, et al. Palate implants for obstructive sleep apnea: Multi-institution, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. 2008;139:506.
MY00516 March 9, 2011

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print
  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger