[Long-term results of surgical pharyngectomy (uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty) versus office CO2 laser (L.A.U.P.) for the treatment of uncomplicated snoring].

Two treatments are habitually proposed for snoring without obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: the surgical pharyngotomy, and the treatment by laser done in the office. Our study analyses retrospectively, by telephone questionnaire, a group of 168 snorers, without obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, treated by pharyngotomy (n = 71) or CO2 laser (n = 97) between 1989 and 1993. Results after a mean follow-up of 5 years, with a minimal of 3 years, show for the two procedures the same efficacity, and an equivalent prevalence of side effects. The rate of satisfaction for the patient and her bed-partner is about 50%, in relation to a degradation of therapeutic effect in the long run. We propose to precisely the results and the indications of the surgery and the laser for treatment of uncomplicated rhonchopathy.