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| Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty |  Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a surgical procedure that used to remove excess tissue in the throat to extend the airway. This can allow air to move through the throat more easily when you breathe, decreasing snoring.
The tissues that can be removed include:
- Uvula: it is the small fingerlike formation of tissue that hangs down from the back of the roof of the mouth into the throat.
- Part of the soft palate: the roof of the mouth.
- Excess throat tissue, tonsils and adenoids, and the pharynx.
You have to know that uvulopalatopharyngoplasty usually takes about 3 weeks to recover from surgery. You may find that it is very difficult to swallow after during this time. Because of this, only 60% of those having the surgery say they would undergo it again.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is sometimes used to treat snoring in people to provide better sleep for their bed partner. It is rarely used. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is only considered in cases of very severe snoring and when other treatments have failed.
It may be prescribed for people who:
- Have excess tissue in the nose, mouth, or throat that limits their airway.
- Continue snoring after making lifestyle changes like losing weight and sleeping on their side.
UPPP is often effective in reducing snoring initially. Over the long term, it cures snoring in 46% to 73% of those who have had surgery.
Risks
During surgery surrounding blood vessels or tissues may be accidental damaged.
There are several complications after surgery:
- Medications that are used to make you sleep during surgical procedure may cause sleepiness and periods of not breathing.
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling
- Pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sore throat
- Drainage of secretions into the nose and a nasal quality to the voice.
- Narrowing of the airway in the nose and throat.
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