Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: management with and without laser; a new modification in the laser technique

ABSTRACT

Thirty patients with heavy snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome [OSAS] were included in this study. Group A [15 patients] were treated by conventional surgical uvulopalatopharyngoplasty [UPPP] and group B [15 patients] were treated by CO2 laser under microscope and using micromanipulator. Patients were evaluated by snoring scale, nasopharyngoscopy including Muller's maneuver, polysomnography and pain scale. Patients were followed up at one month and six months. Snoring improved in 60% of patients in group A vs 99.30% in patients of group B. After six months, snoring recurred in 25% of patients in group A vs 80% of patients of group B. Postoperative severe pain existed in 60% of patients of group A vs 6.6% of patients of group B. Postoperative complications like bleeding, nasopharyngeal stenosis and nasal regurgitation were higher in group A. Moreover, hospitalization was less in group B. UPPP with CO2 laser under microscope and using micromanipulator could be considered an optimum procedure in the management of snoring and OSAS. A new modification applied in laser technique could also contribute in reducing postoperative pain and nasopharyngeal stenosis