Coblation Assisted Upper Airway Procedure (CAUP) and RAUP - Procedure Details

Article Index Coblation Assisted Upper Airway Procedure (CAUP) and RAUP Procedure Details All Pages Page 2 of 2 The CAUP Procedure Before starting the procedure I recommend that you take a pain medication which I will provide. This can make people a little drowsy after the procedure so you will need a ride home. I apply a gel to the roof of your mouth which contains a topical anesthetic to freeze the palate. If you have a strong gag reflex, I will also get you to rinse your mouth with an anesthetic. You will then be asked to gargle with Peridex Solution which reduces any bacteria in your mouth. Once the topical freezing has had time to work, a very small (27 gauge) needle is used to inject the palate with about 10cc (or fancy way to say ml) of 1% lidocaine with epinephrine (for more freezing and to prevent bleeding). This causes very little discomfort. This original part of the procedure is often the longest, taking about 30 minutes. You will be asked to hold a metal tongue depressor which gives you more control over the procedure and reduces the gag reflex and reducing coughing. The uvula (that dangly thing at the back of your throat is grasped and an incision is created through the posterior edge of the soft palate on either side of the uvula. This widens the airway. The coblation needle is then inserted into the soft palate in a fan like fashion to shrink the palate, move it forward and up, and stiffen the palate to stop snoring. Most of the uvula is than removed. A small piece remains to make sure the palate functions normally during swallowing. Regularly during the procedure we will take breaks to make sure you are comfortable. If there is any pain during the procedure, a few more ml of freezing will be injected into the sensitive area. After the CAUP, you should have a drive home. Drink as much cold or frozen liquids as possible and suck on ice cubes for the first 24 hours. This decreases pain and swelling. You should take Tylenol (acetaminophen) regularly over the first few days. You will be given a prescription for stronger pain medications that you can use if necessary. You will also be given a prescription for a Miracle Mouthwash. This contains an anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, anti-fungal, and topical pain medication. You should use this regularly for the first several days. Follow-up is generally 3 and 6 weeks after the CAUP. A repeat sleep study will be arranged 3 months after the surgery. If there is residual snoring or sleep apnea, another comprehensive examination will identify sites of obstruction for further procedures. It is very important to realize that CAUP should not be considered as a first option for the treatment of sleep apnea. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the “gold standard” and should be combined with weight loss, regular physical exercise, smoking cessation, and avoiding alcohol or sleeping pills before bed. Most private sleep diagnostics and CPAP clinics provide a one month free trial of CPAP and I strongly recommend to all of my patients that they try CPAP before considering surgical options. Set as favorite Bookmark Email This Comments (0) Write comment Name Email Comment smaller | bigger I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage. Add Comment << Prev - Next