Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Until recently, laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) has been used to treat only snoring and mild cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LAUP in patients with mild, moderate, and severe OSA.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective study of 38 patients who completed LAUP for the treatment of OSA who were evaluated based on the severity level of their preoperative apnea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between July 1993 and December 1995, 96 patients with a diagnosis of OSA based on polysomnography underwent staged outpatient LAUP treatment. Thirty-eight patients completed treatment and obtained postoperative polysomnography. Postoperative complications and polysomnographic findings were reviewed.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients had a diagnosis of mild apnea, 12 had moderate apnea, and 11 had severe apnea based on preoperative polysomnography. The surgical response rates, defined as greater than or equal to 50% reduction in the postoperative respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and a postoperative RDI of less than 20, were 46.7% in the mild apneics, 41.7% in the moderate apneics, and 45.5% in the severe apneics. Postoperative complications in this series included minor bleeding, oral candidiasis, and temporary velopharyngeal insufficiency. There were no serious complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In the carefully selected and prepared patient with mild, moderate, or severe OSA, LAUP should be considered a surgical option for the treatment of this disorder. LAUP remains a cost-effective and safe alternative to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.