The effect of laser-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty on the nasal and nasopharyngeal volume measured with acoustic rhinometry.

Nasal breathing is considered as an important factor in sleep apnea and snoring, and nasal obstruction can lead to an increased respiratory resistance and to inflammatory reactions in the nasal mucosa. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is an effective treatment for sleep apnea and snoring. Different operation techniques with minor variations have been introduced during the last few years. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with laser technique (LUPPP) has made it possible to perform the operation in local anesthesia. Acoustic rhinometry is a new method for the evaluation of the nasal cavities and the nasopharynx. We measured the volume of nasal cavities and nasopharynx of 29 patients using acoustic rhinometry before and 6 months after the LUPPP operation. There was a tendency to a better nasal patency in the turbinate area, but no change was found in the nasopharyngeal volume. Acoustic rhinometry is a useful tool for measuring the turbinate area, and this part of the nasal cavities seems to be influenced by the LUPPP operation, maybe due to a better ventilation or reduction of the inflammation of the nose. However, technical and methodological improvements are needed before reliable measurements are achieved from the nasopharynx area.