Laser Assisted Uvulotpalatoplasty (LAUP)
Laser Assisted Uvulotpalatoplasty (LAUP) This was established by Kamami (9) in 1990 to reduce the vibratory component of the soft palate and uvula, and hence diminish snoring. The uvula and portions of the distal soft palate are removed with a C02 laser in an out-patient setting. It is done in stages by some and as a single procedure by others. Results achieved for snoring are 96% bed partner satisfaction, with elimination or virtual elimination of snoring in 69% (24). Post operative pain for about two weeks requires analgesia in most, narcotic analgesia in some, and limits lifestyle and productivity in a few.
Possible risks have been described relating to narcotics (4) used post operatively, and smoke plume (5). Complications relate to muscle excision and rarely affect voice and swallowing (13,14,19,24). Some long-term results show relapse (21) but this may relate to the surgical technique used. At the Sleep Surgery Centre a once-only procedure, taking all the redundant tissue which may safely be removed, is offered: audit of our five to six year post operative cases suggest that with this technique there is no significant relapse rate.