LAUP under GA – Laser Assisted Uvulotpalatoplasty, or LAUP for short, a fairly new procedure for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea.
A similar procedure, using conventional non-laser surgery is called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, or UPPP. The LAUP procedure was first developed in France, in 1990, now it is done in SUT Hospital, Pattom,Trivandrum, in south India.
LAUP has become a safe and effective snoring treatment. LAUP is a surgical procedure, utilizing a CO2 laser, for treating obstructive sleep apnea by removing or shortening the uvula, and tightening throat tissue.(The uvula is that small bit of flesh that hangs down from the palate, in the back of your throat.) LAUP can require multiple visits, (1-5), but over 90% are done in one session.
UPPP, on the other hand, is definitely a one-time procedure. Some surgeons prefer to perform the LAUP in stages, a bit at a time. Other surgeons prefer to perform the LAUP in a single procedure. Some studies indicate that 96% of the partners of LAUP patients are satisfied with the surgical results.
If the patient is cooperative and no gag reflex, it can be done under LA, but doing this under GA is better.
Dr Paulose is an ENT Consultant Plastic and Laser Surgeon with over 32 years of experience covering in Ear, Nose and Throat procedures, specializing in Laser Surgery and conventional medicine across India, U.K. and Middle East. He is currently engaged with the SUT Hospital, in Kerala, India. You can contact him today for help.