Laser surgery for snoring. Is it really effective?
This, together with the potential risks and complications of LAUP has led Eugeni Ballester (Institut Clínic Pneumologia i Cirurgia Toràcica, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain) and his colleagues to ascertain the usefulness of LAUP.
To evaluate LAUP effectiveness for snoring, the authors conducted a randomised, placebo-controlled study, in 25 patients whose main symptom was disruptive snoring.
Group I received LAUP treatment and Group II a placebo (simulated snore surgery followed by an oral placebo). Subjective and objective snoring intensity were assessed before and three months after each treatment.
In this first placebo-controlled study with objective measures to evaluate the effectiveness of LAUP in relieving snoring, the Spanish team found no difference between the groups after three months. These results differ from previously published data (a 90% improvement in subjective snoring intensity was previously expected) and provide considerable evidence of a lack of effectiveness of LAUP.
The authors conclude that despite the current popularity of laser surgery for snoring, LAUP is a questionable alternative for snoring and its indiscriminate use should be approached with caution. Given the prevalence of snoring, the magnitude of the problem becomes apparent.
Contact:
Eugeni Ballester
Institut Clínic Pneumologia i Cirurgia Toràcica
Hospital Clinic
Barcelona, Spain
Tel: +34 93 227 54 00 (ext. 2283)
Fax: +34 93 227 54 54
Email: eugeni@medicina.ub.es
Original article's title:
Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty for snoring. Does it meet the expectations?
If you need this article, please address your request to: erj@cedos.int.ch
Chirurgie cu laser pentru horãit. Este foarte eficient? - Laser surgery for snoring. Is it really effective? - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate