Procedure
LAUP allows treatment of snoring and mild OSA by removing the obstruction in your airway in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. A CO2 laser is used to vaporize the uvula and a specified portion of the palate in a series of small procedures. LAUP is performed while you are positioned in an upright sitting position in an examination chair.
Before administration of anesthesia, you are informed that the back of your throat will become numb and that you will lose the sensation of swallowing and breathing. A local anesthesia is sprayed over the back oral cavity, soft palate, tonsils, and uvula followed by an injection of additional anesthesia in the muscle layer of the uvula. After several minutes, a CO2 laser is used to make both, vertical incisions in the palate on both sides of the uvula. The uvula is shortened, eliminating the obstruction that has contributed to the snoring.
Majority of patients get good relief from snoring and sleep apnea in the first sitting, but few in a small minority this has to be repeated.
How much it cost?
The cost is dramatically less. We charge Rs 10,000.as a package which also includes investigation, procedure, medication room rent for a day.
If it is done under a General anesthetic it will cost around twice the amount as the patient has to stay 2-3 days, need for anesthetic, theatre charges etc.
*Insurance companies don’t cover the expenses.
How long is the recovery period?
Some patients are able to get back to their daily routines on the same day although the patients are warned of a sensation similar to that of a sever sore throat that lasts up to ten days after the laser surgery for snoring. This can be relieved by analgesics and anti-inflammatory medicines. But we ask them to take rest at home for 5-7 days.
Improvement is noted by the reduction in or disappearance of your snoring which may take few weeks till the wound is well healed