Septal Cartilage Graft Pharyngoplasty
Medically reviewed by Dr. Iván Méndez-Benegassi Silva · ENT & Sleep Medicine Specialist · HM Hospitales, Madrid · License No. 282855946
Dr. Méndez-Benegassi is a pioneer in Spain and one of the few surgeons worldwide who performs this technique. It uses the patient's own septal cartilage —harvested during a septoplasty— to graft 3-4 pieces into the soft palate, increasing its stiffness and reducing snoring. In a single, multilevel and outpatient procedure, both the nasal obstruction and the snoring are resolved at the same time.
How it works
During the septoplasty performed to correct the nasal obstruction, septal cartilage is obtained. Instead of discarding it, 3-4 pieces are grafted into the soft palate. The grafts stiffen the palate, which reduces the vibration that produces snoring. Dr. Méndez-Benegassi uses his own modification of the technique that further simplifies graft placement and reduces pain and bruising. The whole procedure, together with the septoplasty, takes about 30 minutes and requires no nasal packing.
Advantages
- Two problems, one surgery: it treats the nasal obstruction and the snoring at the same time, in a single multilevel and outpatient procedure.
- No rejection: it uses the patient's own (autologous) tissue.
- Proprietary modification that simplifies graft placement and reduces pain and bruising.
- Minimal postoperative pain.
- Fast procedure: about 30 minutes together with the septoplasty.
- No nasal packing required.
- Very high snoring improvement rate.
Who is it for?
It is indicated in patients with a standard soft palate and without obesity — for example, women or young men. The most suitable candidate is confirmed during the specialist consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is septal cartilage graft pharyngoplasty?
It is a surgical technique that uses the patient's own septal cartilage —harvested during a septoplasty— to graft 3-4 pieces into the soft palate. This increases the stiffness of the palate and reduces snoring.
Can it treat the nose and the snoring at the same time?
Yes. In a single, multilevel and outpatient procedure both the nasal obstruction and the snoring are addressed at the same time, because the cartilage used for the palate is obtained from the septoplasty itself.
Is there a risk of rejection?
No. Because it uses autologous tissue —the patient’s own cartilage— there is no rejection.
Is it painful?
Postoperative pain is minimal, and the snoring improvement rate is very high.
Who is it indicated for?
It is indicated in patients with a standard soft palate and without obesity — for example, women or young men.
The indication and suitability of any surgical technique are determined individually in a medical consultation. This page is informational and does not replace a personalised medical assessment.