Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) and Coblator Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (CAUP) are the common surgical procedure for the treatment of snoring.
Flexible nasal endoscopy
Before surgery flexible nasalendoscopy is undertaken to determine the level of obstruction. The surgeon can then examine the upper airway through a narrow flexible endoscope to see where the collapsing is occurring. Mueller’s maneuver-Ask the patient to exhale and say the word K.
Habitual snorers have a long soft palate, a long wide uvula, and a narrowed oropharyngeal isthmus. LAUP shortens and tightens the elongated palate and causes a further reduction in the space between the posterior pillars.
CT scan and MRI studies
This is very informative, giving the extend of the site of obstruction of the upper airway
Sleep lab Studies.
Polysomnography is a test that records a variety of body functions during sleep, such as the electrical activity of the brain, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, respiratory effort, air flow, and blood oxygen levels. These tests are used both to diagnose sleep apnea and to determine its severity.
