One-stage laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of an author-modified LAUP technique using the principles of UPPP surgery. This new one-stage method of LAUP is described in detail.


METHODS
A retrospective review of all one-stage LAUPs performed.


METHODS
The Division of Otolaryngology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.


METHODS
This one-stage LAUP was performed on all patients.


METHODS
Improvement of snoring, postoperative pain, polysomnography, home oximetry, the Respiratory Disturbance Index, and the need for a second treatment.


RESULTS
Two hundred twenty patients have undergone this more aggressive excisional approach, and only 10 needed a second treatment. A 75 to 100% improvement in snoring was noted by 83% of cases. In patients with some residual noise, 78% described only heavy breathing when lying on their back. Postoperative pain was mild (7 days) to moderate (7-10 days) in 79% of cases. Eighty-three percent of patients missed no work after treatment. Documented sleep-apnea was present in 74 people (33%), and 96% of these reported a more restful sleep with less daytime fatigue postoperatively. Ten of 14 patients (71%) with postoperative sleep studies had apneas eliminated or reduced by more than 50%. Overall patient satisfaction was 97%. A low-level laser from Europe (LLLT) has been introduced as an adjunct to help control postoperative pain. A clinical trial on its use in UPPP surgery is also described.
Dickson
R I
RI
Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver.
Mintz
D R
DR
D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000150:complications; D012913:Snoring / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014609:Uvula / Q000601:surgery*