Sleep endoscopy

Snoring video endoscopy

During this outpatient examination, which we carry out at the Kopfklinik Frankfurt, we can determine precisely whether and where an anatomically caused narrowing is present in the snoring patient whilst they sleep, which obstructs the air supply and produces the snoring sound.

The snoring patient is put into a state of sleep similar to night-time sleep using the fast-acting sedative propofol. Using a flexible endoscope with an integrated chip video camera, we can now pinpoint exactly where the snoring originates: in the nose, palate or mouth area, in the throat or above the larynx.

The examination is completely painless and takes about 15 minutes, although the patient remains under observation for a further hour afterwards.

The results of this examination allow us to determine precisely whether surgery can help resolve the snoring problem. In specific cases, this examination is carried out in conjunction with a dentist, who assesses whether a dental appliance can keep the airway open during sleep.