Home Care Instructions Following Laser Assisted Uvuloplasty (LAUP)
Your doctor has recommended that you have LAUP (laser assisted uvuloplasty). This is a procedure done to treat snoring. During this procedure the doctor uses a laser as a tool to remove part of the uvula and some of the soft palate. The procedure is usually done in the doctor's office. You remain awake, but a local anesthetic keeps you from feeling any pain. Depending on how much of the uvula needs removing, you may have to have several office visits several weeks apart to complete your LAUP. After each session, there may be some discomfort for a few days and you may be restricted to soft foods for several days.
As with all surgeries there are some risks and possible complications. Below are a few of the possible risks and complications for this surgery:
- food or liquids flowing into the nasal cavity during swallowing
- a temporary or permanent voice change
- bleeding
- infection
- if undetected sleep apnea is present, snoring may be cured, but silent apnea may remain.
You may talk to a doctor or nurse in our office by calling the numbers 615-386-9089 or (615) 327-3077. A message center will answer your calls after office hours and contact the doctor for you.