Objective: Report a new technique of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP
) for snoring performed as a one-stage procedure. Study Design: A decision-
tree was used in a prospective study of 89 patients from April 1994 to May
1997, It included a fiberscopy and Muller's maneuver, rhinomanometry, pH mo
nitoring, computed tomography scan to measure the pharyngeal lumen, pulse o
ximetry and polysomnography in case of sleep apnea syndrome was suspected.
Methods: The authors performed their LAUP technique on 43 patients (48.5%)
whose snoring was mainly caused by the velum, This technique consists of sc
arifying the velum by vaporizing the mucosa and the submucosa along a recta
ngle extending from the palatal dimple to the uvula and having a width of 1
.5 to 2 cm, Vaporization of the palatal arches follows without exceeding th
e junction of the anterior and posterior pillars in height. The uvula is cu
t if necessary, preserving a length of at least 0.5 cm. The other patients
under-went different procedures according to the cause of snoring Results:
There was no significant difference between LAUP and uvulopalatoplasty (UPP
P) regarding pain. No permanent phonatory disorders and no regurgitation oc
curred. Satisfaction evaluated on a scale ranging from 0 to 10 was equivale
nt for the two techniques: mean value = 7.68 (+/-2.18) for LAUP and 8.60 (/-2.27) for UPPP. The mean followup was 17 months (range, 1-37 mo), Satisfa
ction was also identical for all techniques. Conclusion: Our LAUP technique
combined with other procedures according to a decision-tree is efficient a
nd safe.