Sleep Apnea: UvulopalatoplastyTopic OverviewLaser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is a technique that uses lasers to perform surgery for some sleep-related breathing disorders. It may be used if you have:
There is debate about whether the laser procedure is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). LAUP has not shown any major benefit for people who have sleep apnea. footnote 1 And problems swallowing and voice changes are common side effects from LAUP. LAUP is not recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine to treat sleep apnea. footnote 2 Health ToolsHealth Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.
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Related InformationReferences
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ByHealthwise Staff Current as ofMarch 25, 2017
Current as of: March 25, 2017 Franklin KA, et al. (2009). Effects and side-effects of surgery for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review. Sleep, 32(1): 27-36.
Aurora RN, et al. (2010). Practice parameters for the surgical modifications of the upper airway for obstructive sleep apnea in adults. Sleep, 33(10): 1408-1413.
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