Outpatient Treatment of Sleep Apnea Syndrome with CO ₂ Laser, LAUP: Laser-Assisted UPPP Results on 46 Patients

Abstract

The pharyngeal airway obstruction during sleep in the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) can be improved after treatment by laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), a new technique performed under local anesthesia. It permits surgery to be performed without hospitalization or general anesthetic. LAUP has many advantages over the traditional uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). It is simple, reliable, hemostatic, sterilizing, and relatively painless. Our experience with LAUP in sleep apnea syndrome is described in 46 patients from December 1988 to May 1993. Among 40 patients classified as successful responders, the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) was reduced more than 50%. Among the 46 patients, in 43.5% of cases (20 patient) there was healing of snoring and sleep apnea syndrome. In 43.5% of cases (20 patients) there was an important reduction of length and number of apneas and a significant improvement in nocturnal oxygen saturation. Thirteen percent (6 patients) were relative failures, with a diminution of snoring, but no reduction in sleep apnea syndrome. There were no important complications reported.