title: Effectiveness and side effects of one-stage laser-assisted uvuloplasty in primary rhonchopathy.
abstract: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of laser-assisted uvuloplasty (LAUP) in terms of effect on snoring and side effects. The case report study is based on the analysis of questionnaires with a visual analog scale (VAS) describing the severity of snoring before and 6-26 months after operation and questions regarding postoperative course. The group of patients consisted of 73 patients with primary rhonchopathy. The average preoperative VAS score was 8.36; it decreased to an average of 3.98 postoperatively (p = 0.001). No improvement was reported by 12% of patients, improvement of 4 and more of the VAS scale was reported by 67% of patients. The majority (58%) of patients reported postoperative pain for up to 10 days. Bothersome sensations persisted in 15% of patients. No predictive factors for the success of treatment were found. LAUP diminished snoring in 88% of patients. A major drawback was the postoperative pain. Further studies looking for predictive factors are needed.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, First Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. jan.klozar@lfmotol.cuni.cz
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: Klozar
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: Plzák
authors: Michal
authors: M
authors: Zábrodský
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: Betka
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000453:epidemiology; D012913:Snoring / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014609:Uvula / Q000601:surgery*