Laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty for management of upper airway resistance

This study included 60 patients with snoring underwent laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty [LAUP]. Questionnaires ranking snoring symptoms were completed by the patient and bed partner before and after LAUP. Average follow up period was 14.5 months. The questionnaires showed significant improvements in snoring, quality of sleep and partner satisfaction. The symptomatic improvement persisted as assessed in the intermediate term. In conclusion, LAUP is an effective method for the management of snoring. The study demonstrated intermediate-term improvement in subjective measures

Rapid maxillary expansion for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with maxillary constriction

The precise role of maxillary constriction in the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] is becoming more understood. It is believed that subjects with maxillary constriction have increased nasal resistance leading to the classic features of OSA. Widening of the maxillary constriction by rapid maxillary expansion [RME] increases the width of the maxilla and reduces the nasal airway resistance. This is pillory study aimed at confirming the effect of RME on OSA in patients with maxillary constriction and no other recognized cause [s] of OSA. We studied 5 patients with mild-moderate OSA [apena/hypopna index-AHI 17 +/- 4 and min S[a]O[2] 89 +/- 1] and orthodontic evidence of maxillary constriction. All cases underwent RME [two requiring surgical assistance]. Polysomnography was repeated at the end of treatment. All patients showed improvement of symptoms of OSA. There was significant reduction in AHI and expansion in the transverse dimensions of the hard palate

Operative management of chronic sialorrhoea by submandibular duct relocation plus sublingual gland excision

To report results of 29 patients who underwent surgical management of sialorrhoea in private practice referred from Erlanger Handicap Clinic afterfailure of all other forms of non-surgical treatment to control chronic sialorrhoea. Proactive case series. Twenty-nine patients underwent bilateral submandibular duct relocation with sub-lingual gland excision. At the tie of operation 3 [15%] were children aged < than 18 years, and 16 were neurological impaired adults. Post-operative follow up was for a mean of 4 months. For all those who underwent operation, the total drooling score' [drooling frequency' + 'drooling severity'] was reduced from a pre-operative mean of 7.4 [of a maximum possible 8] to a post-operative mean of 2.6. Best results were seen in children under 18 years old-'total drooling score' reduced from a mean of 7.4 to a mean of 2.2. sialorrhoea was reliably improved by submandibular duct relocation plus sublingual gland excision, with the better results obtained in children

Rhinoplasty without splints or packing

To present our experience of rhinoplasty without nasal or packing. Prospective case series. Thirty cases presenting to Aston Hospital, Al Khobar, K.S.A. during the period of May 2000 to January 2003 were subjected to rhinoplasty due to either traumatic "13" or congenital "17" causes. Rhinotherapy was performed using small instruments to reduce trauma to nasal tissues and to eliminate nasal packing and external immobilization. No significant complications occurred n our series. Of the 30 cases only 3 cases required merocil packing for one day only. One case required secondary proteomics because of late bony displacement, which occurred after 2 months. Patients performed well on the GBI questionnaire with an average score of 86%. By using hyponasty without splints or packing, there is less risk of headache, rhinitis, sinusitis and otitis. Unpleasant dour doesn't occur; general edema and ecchymosis of the eyelids are decreased significantly