Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty: description of the technique and pre- and postoperative evaluation of subjective symptoms.

A new surgical approach for treating patients suffering from heavy snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea is introduced. This procedure includes the use of a laser and is called laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LUPP). However, the technique described here is unlike the laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) as described by Kamami in 1990. LUPP is performed under local anaesthesia and in an out-patient setting. Muscle resection is minimal and includes only the distal part of the uvula muscle and some fibres of the palatopharyngeal muscles. The LUPP procedure and the subjective results in 100 patients who have had LUPP performed are presented.