Patient evaluation of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty.

OBJECTIVE

Most papers on LAUP lack patient evaluation of success rate with any statistical significance. We describe a method that we use to measure the improvement in snoring as well as changes related to quality of life.

METHODS

We use a specially designed questionnaire, answered by the patient immediately prior to and immediately after treatment, and 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively. Thirty-five patients were included in the study.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were observed in a decrease in frequency of sleeping in a separate room due to snoring, a decrease in frequency of awaking during the night due to snoring, and a decrease in loudness of snoring. The anticipated decrease in preoperative snoring and the actual decrease in snoring postoperatively was also realized.

CONCLUSION

The questionnaire is discussed as an instrument in patient evaluation of LAUP, treatment in which success may not necessarily be judged as 100% reduction in snoring.