Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for Snoring

Surgery Overview

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a procedure used to remove excess tissue in the throat to widen the airway. This sometimes can allow air to move through the throat more easily when you breathe, reducing snoring. The tissues removed may include:

What To Expect

It takes about 3 weeks to recover from surgery. It may be very difficult to swallow during this time. Because of this, only 60% of those having the surgery say they would undergo it again.^{footnote 1}

Why It Is Done

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is sometimes used to treat snoring in people so that their bed partner can sleep better. It is rarely used and only considered in cases of very severe snoring when other treatments have failed. It may be used in people who:

• Have excess tissue in the nose, mouth, or throat that blocks the airway.
• Do not stop snoring after making lifestyle changes such as losing weight and sleeping on their sides.

How Well It Works

UPPP is often effective in reducing snoring initially. Over the long term, it cures snoring in 46% to 73% of those who have had this surgery.^{footnote 1}

Risks

Complications during surgery include accidental damage to surrounding blood vessels or tissues.

Complications after surgery may include:

• Sleepiness and periods when breathing stops (sleep apnea), both related to the medicine (anesthesia) that made you sleep during surgery.
• Swelling, pain, infection, and bleeding.
• A sore throat and trouble swallowing.
• Drainage of secretions into the nose and a nasal quality to the voice. Speech may be affected by this surgery.
• Narrowing of the airway in the nose and throat.