Radiofrequency versus LAUP for the treatment of snoring

MARC B. BLUMEN, MD, SERGE DAHAN, MD, ISABEllE WAGNER, MD, THIBAULT DE DIEULEVEULT, MD, and FREDERIC CHABOLLE, MD, Suresnes, France

OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy and tolerance of controlled temperature radiofrequency and laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (LAUP) for the treatment of snoring.

METHODS: This was a prospective, non randomized study on 30 patients who snored. All patients had a sleep night study. Only patients with simple snoring or mild sleep apnea and soft palate obstruction were included. Efficacy was subjectively evaluated by the bed partner 2 months after the last treatment. Tolerance was estimated daily by the patient during 18 first postoperative days. Discomfort, pain, medication intake, diet, and number of days off from work were assessed.

RESULTS: Both treatments were effective on snoring. Mean discomfort and pain as well as mean intake of analgesics were significantly greater with laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

CONCLUSION: Controlled temperature radiofre-quency was as effective as laser-assisted uvu-lopalatopharyngoplasty on snoring on a short-term basis but was better tolerated. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2002;126:67-73.)

From the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Foch Hospital, France. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New Orleans, LA, September 26-29, 1999. Generator was lent and 32 electrodes were given by Somnus Medical Technology Inc, Sunnyvale, CA. There was no financial support. Reprint requests: Frederic Chabolle, MD, Service ORL et Chirurgie cervicofaciale, Hopital Foch, 40 rue Worth, 92151, Suresnes, France

The Sleep Surgery Centre gratefully acknowledges that this study is included courtesy of the above personel and institution, September 2002.