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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Short-term objective and long-term subjective results of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea
1Atlanta Ear Nose & Throat Associates, GA 30342, USA.
Objectives:
To determine the short-term and long-term effects of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) on symptoms and polysomnographic measures in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).
Study Design:
Prospective assessment of outcomes after LAUP in patients with OSAS.
Methods:
Fifty-nine patients with OSAS underwent LAUP, and 36 completed postoperative sleep studies. Questionnaires ranking snoring and apneic symptoms were completed by the patient and bed partner before LAUP, 6 to 12 weeks after LAUP, and in the long term (> 2 years).
Results:
The apnea index decreased from 14.4 to 5.8 (P = .0012), respiratory disturbance index (RDI) decreased from 28.1 to 7.9 (P = .0046), and the mean lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation increased from 80.6% to 84.0% (P = .055). The RDI was reduced to 10 or less in 44.4% of patients. Subjective questionnaires showed statistically significant improvements in snoring, morning fatigue, morning headaches, daytime somnolence, and daytime psychometric measures. The symptomatic improvement persisted in the long term.
Conclusions:
LAUP is an effective method for the management of OSAS. We have demonstrated short-term improvement in polysomnographic measures and short-term and long-term improvement in subjective measures.
