Effectiveness and Side Effects of One-Stage Laser-Assisted Uvuloplasty in Primary Rhonchopathy

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of laser-assisted uvuloplasty (LAUP) in terms of effect on snoring and side effects. The case report study is based on the analysis of questionnaires with a visual analog scale (VAS) describing the severity of snoring before and 6–26 months after operation and questions regarding postoperative course. The group of patients consisted of 73 patients with primary rhonchopathy. The average preoperative VAS score was 8.36; it decreased to an average of 3.98 postoperatively (p = 0.001). No improvement was reported by 12% of patients, improvement of 4 and more of the VAS scale was reported by 67% of patients. The majority (58%) of patients reported postoperative pain for up to 10 days. Bothersome sensations persisted in 15% of patients. No predictive factors for the success of treatment were found. LAUP diminished snoring in 88% of patients. A major drawback was the postoperative pain. Further studies looking for predictive factors are needed.

Er:Yag Laser Treatment of Simple Snorers in an Outpatient Setting

“…Severe cases of snoring and apnea are typically treated with one of many surgical methods, mostly involving the uvula and soft palate, and sometimes also the pharynx (e.g., pillar procedure, injection snoreplasty, radiofrequency, and bipolar radiofrequency combined with injection). Some individuals choose not to treat their snoring condition because of numerous limitations, including high risks, costs, side effects, and low success rates of classical nonsurgical and surgical procedures [7,13,14,15,16,17]. …”