Laser-assisted Uvulopalatoplasty

Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is one of the more commonly used treatments for snoring problems and for mild forms of sleep apnoea. It invovles a procedure that can be performed in your doctors surgery under local anaesthetic. A laser is used to remove the uvula and part of the palate, as these are often parts of the airway system that cause blockages that can lead to snoring and sleep apnoea. This is performed in several small procedures (up to five, in four-eight week intervals). Some people notice an increased dryness of the throat after the surgery, and your doctor will be able to provide you with a spray that should reduce this dryness. It is often a worry that should this surgery be completed and the snoring stop, then sleep apnoea can sometimes be left unidagnosed as snoring is the most common symptom. Therefore, it is vital that you are given the right diagnosis before taking this treatment as if you are suffering from sleep apnoea and not snoring, a different procedure, or more caution, may be needed.

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