Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty vs Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty: Anatomical Considerations

Unpredictable results of laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea

“…Since the velopharynx is most compliant laterally,25 28 and velopharyngeal compliance is increased in OSA,29 30 it may be important to effect an increase in size or a reduction in compliance of the velopharynx in its lateral dimension to achieve a reduction in the severity of OSA. Finkelstein and associates21 found that UPPP increased the lateral dimension of the oropharyngeal isthmus by a mean of 11.5 mm in five patients, whereas no increase in the lateral diameter was noted in five patients who underwent LAUP. It is unclear from our data, however, whether the poor overall efficacy of LAUP is related to the absence of a significant increase in the lateral dimension of the velopharynx.…”

Midline radiofrequency tissue reduction of the palate for bothersome snoring and sleep‐disordered breathing: A clinical trial

“…Side effect profiles for these therapies include pain that generally requires narcotic analgesia, throat irritation, and speech and swallowing irregularities 3 . Some have reported adverse anatomic changes, including narrowing of the oropharynx from scarring and retraction and potential worsening of sleep parameters 20 . Because this study directs treatment at the palate and uvula, these risks also apply to RFTR.…”

Is There a Better Way to Do Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty?

“…The differences among the studies probably derive from a greater narrowing of the velopharyngeal isthmus that occurred after one-stage LAUP. The measurements of Finkelstein et al, 14 which have shown a significantly greater distance between the tonsillar pillars after standard LAUP compared with the modified procedure and after UPPP compared with the 2 LAUP techniques, support this contingency.…”