Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty: post operative complications (NILES, preliminary experience).

Laser (CO(2)) assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is an out-patient technique under local anesthesia, proposed for the treatment of snoring. The National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, Cairo University, began to offer (LAUP) to patients since summer 1996. A patient survey was developed to evaluate the postoperative complications. A total of 60 post-treatment surveys were completed using a written questionnaire or telephone calls at intervals ranging between day 1 and 6 months. Complications ranged from allergy to local anesthesia to severe pain. No serious complications were recorded. Further long run study is necessary for full understanding and assessment.