Review on laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. What is clinically relevant?

Background: Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) was not recommended by the American Sleep Disorders Association for the treatment of snoring and o bstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because of data lacking in 1994. In the meanti me numerous new papers concerning this subject have been published in peer reviewed journals. A new evaluation of the value of LAUP is presented, Meth ods: In a world-wide literature search (Medline(R)) from 1980 until March 1 999, seventy articles were identified. The papers were analyzed concerning the subtopics "operative techniques", "LAUP and OSA", "LAUP and snoring", " pain", "side-effects", "indications" and "predictive criteria", Results: On the basis of the collected data, it is possible to put definitive values o n the subtopics "operative techniques", "LAUP and snoring" and "side-effect s". In contrast, objective long-term results concerning "LAUP and OSA" are still missing. Short-term results are promising, Conclusion: Nevertheless, LAUP and its related procedures presently should not be recommended for the treatment of any severity of OSA.