Complication after laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is the surgical technique for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. LAUP was first time performed by Kamami in 1986. LAUP can reduce the airway obstruction on the oropharynx level. LAUP is the simple, reliable surgical procedure performed in an office setting under the local anesthesia, without hospitalization. Between 1997 and 2001 the authors of the study prospectively evaluated 400 patients referred to ENT Clinic in Zabrze to treat the breathing disturbances during sleep. In this group of patients LAUP procedure was performed in 68 cases. There were 4 cases of complications (4.4%). These complications included: postoperative hemorrhage in one patient, 2 cases mycotic infections and in one patient, 2 cases mycotic infections and in one patient temporary loss of taste. In this group of patients there were no cases of bleedings needed hospitalization, nasal speech, nasopharyngeal stenosis, palatal incompetence, airway compromise or death.