ABSTRACT

Laser technology, with its application in the oropharynx, revolutionized surgical management of sleep-disordered breathing. Prior to the introduction of laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) in 1990, the most common palatal procedure was uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). The UPPP requires a general anesthetic in most cases and often requires hospitalization. The UPPP was a very expensive and invasive option for the treatment of snoring. The laser allowed physicians to perform palatal procedures in the office, making snoring treatment more accessible to the general public. The first series of patients treated with LAUP was published in 1990 by Dr Yves Victor Kamami of Paris, France (1). In this publication, he reported that 85% of snoring patients had complete or near complete elimination of their snoring. These promising results combined with media attention and consumer interest stimulated tremendous enthusiasm among patients. Snorers now had an accessible, reasonably priced procedure to explore as an option. By 1995, LAUP was the most common snoring procedure performed.