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Short‐term objective and long‐term subjective results of laser‐assisted uvulopalatoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea
Author(s) -
Mickelson Samuel A.,
Ahuja Anoop
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-199903000-00004
Subject(s) - medicine , obstructive sleep apnea , respiratory disturbance index , morning , anesthesia , headaches , somnolence , apnea , polysomnography , physical therapy , surgery , adverse effect
Objectives : To determine the short‐term and long‐term effects of laser‐assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) on symptoms and polysomnographic measures in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Study Design : Prospective assessment of outcomes after LAUP in patients with OSAS. Methods : Fifty‐nine patients with OSAS underwent LAUP, and 36 completed postoperative sleep studies. Questionnaires ranking snoring and apneic symptoms were completed by the patient and bed partner before LAUP, 6 to 12 weeks after LAUP, and in the long term (>2 years). Results : The apnea index decreased from 14.4 to 5.8 ( P = .0012), respiratory disturbance index (RDI) decreased from 28.1 to 7.9 ( P = .0046), and the mean lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation increased from 80.6% to 84.0% ( P = .055). The RDI was reduced to 10 or less in 44.4% of patients. Subjective questionnaires showed statistically significant improvements in snoring, morning fatigue, morning headaches, daytime somnolence, and daytime psychometric measures. The symptomatic improvement persisted in the long term. Conclusions : LAUP is an effective method for the management of OSAS. We have demonstrated short‐term improvement in polysomnographic measures and short‐term and long‐term improvement in subjective measures.