Snoring and Laser Treatment
General Information
Snoring is a common problem which affects males more commonly
than females. Factors such as obesity, alcohol, smoking,
advancing years and sedative drugs all tend to make snoring
worse. Snoring with the cessation of breathing occurring
frequently through the night (sleep apnea) indicates a potential
for serious medical conditions such as heart attack and
stroke. These may occur as a result of the lack of oxygen
in the blood. People with a significant snoring problem
may awake in the morning feeling tired, feeling unrefreshed
and experience headaches. Sleepiness during the day can
make it difficult to concentrate on one’s work and may even
contribute to serious car accidents.
Medical Treatment
Medical treatment consists of losing weight, exercising,
stopping smoking, avoiding alcohol and avoiding the use
of sleeping pills and sedatives. Numerous types of appliances
have often proven to be unsuccessful in the long-term due
to the patient’s failure to persevere with their use. Other
medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes and
high blood pressure should be under control if laser treatment
is being considered.
Investigation
Patients suspected of having sleep apnea (frequent cessation
or stoppage of breathing) must undergo an overnight sleep
study to prove the existence of apnea. Currently this testing
may take up to 4 months. If apnea is discovered, a trial
with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ("CPAP")
is tried. In those patients where the CPAP is not successful,
a surgical procedure is often advised. This procedure, the
Uvulo-Palato-Pharyngoplasty ("UPPP"), is done
under a full general anesthetic with 3 to 4 days in hospital.
It is quite painful and requires 2 to 3 weeks off work for
full recovery and is no longer covered by O.H.I.P.
New Procedure for Snoring
The latest procedure for snoring is called a Laser Assisted
Uvuloplasty (LAUP - pronounced "lay-up"). It is
done using a low wattage carbon dioxide laser to shape the
sculpt the soft palate and uvula. If the tonsils are still
present and large, they may also be treated to diminish
their size. The advantages of the laser procedure are:
It is easily done as an outpatient procedure under local
anesthetic;
- This procedure is done in stages. Usually 1 to 2 visits
are required;
- Each treatment takes 20 - 30 minutes;
- The patient can usually return to work the same day;
- The risk of bleeding is much less than with use of
conventional therapy;
- There is a sore throat for a few days (controlled with
pain medication); In some patients the sore throat can
last up to 10 days.
The procedure is repeated at 6 to 8 week intervals until
the snoring is controlled. As many as 3 to 4 treatments
may be needed but most patients require only 1 to 2 treatments.
Approximately 90% of patients have their snoring cured or
significantly improved. A small number of patients may find
the procedure fails to improve their snoring.
LAUP Therapy is not covered by O.H.I.P. or the R.A.M.Q.
Further information can be obtained by calling our office.
