Article Published In Vol.5 (Jan-Feb-2017)

The outcome of Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty in management of snoring patients

Author : Dr.Sajad Alhelo.MD.CABS(ORL-HNS), Dr.Zeena Alshamma M.B.ch.B. and Hazim Mohammed Khudair FICMS CABS

Introduction: Snoring is very common in general population affecting around 35-40 % of men and 15-28% of women, it is caused by a partial upper airway collapse during sleep. The most common site of obstruction is the soft palate. There are a number of surgical procedures for the management of snoring .One of these surgical procedure is laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) which involves partial resection of the uvula and soft palate using a CO2 laser.
Aim of study: To evaluate the effect of single stage laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty in management of snoring caused by obstruction at the level of the soft palate.
Patients and Methods: A non controlled clinical trial(interventional prospective) was carried out in the operating room of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery department in Al-Sader Medical city in An-Najaf city ,from April 2015 to January 2016.the study involves 50 patients with loud snoring. All the patients subjected to a detailed sleep questionnaire Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS),all the patients had underwent müller maneuver (Mm), then Laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty was performed.
Results: 50 patients were enrolled in this study ,the percentage of males were(78%),while the percentage of females were (22%),with a mean age (45.8±9.6 years) .(82%) were improved whereas only (10%) were not imporoved and the rest (8%) shown partial improvement.
Conclusion: Laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty is safe and efficient method for snoring reduction .it is minimally invasive procedure with on need for special preparation before operation,being quick and easy to perform under local anesthesia ,it is very important for proper selection of patients before operation. in this study, LAUP diminished snoring in the majority of patients, it had a positive effect on snoring in 82% of cases.the major drawback is postoperative pain seen in 56% of cases which is mild.

Keywords: Laser, laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty,snoring