Mucosal-strip/uvulectomy by the CO2 laser as a method of treating simple snoring.
The effect of stiffening the soft palate by inducing scarring after removing a central strip of mucosa with a CO2 laser was investigated in 25 heavy snorers. The results were assessed using a series of Visual Analogue Score (VAS) assessment questionnaires completed by the partner over a period of 6 months. Of the 22 patients who had the laser-strip and uvulectomy, snoring improved in 18 (82%) (median improvement of 75% at 3 months). Four patients did not improve. Between 3 and 6 months, snoring increased in one patient and decreased in four (< 10% change on VAS). Snoring did not improve in the three patients who did not undergo uvulectomy. We conclude that the laser-strip/uvulectomy can reduce snoring to a tolerable level in eight out of 10 heavy snorers, but the procedure is painful for several days.
Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Aintree Hospitals, Walton, Liverpool, UK.
P
P
Morar
V
V
Nandapalan
T H
TH
Lesser
A C
AC
Swift
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012913:Snoring / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014609:Uvula / Q000601:surgery*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide