Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty[edit | edit source]
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a surgical procedure used to remove tissue and/or remodel tissue in the throat. It is primarily used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. The procedure involves the removal of the uvula, part of the soft palate, and sometimes the tonsils and other tissue in the throat.
Indications[edit | edit source]
UPPP is indicated for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who have not responded to other treatments such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. It may also be considered for patients with severe snoring that affects their quality of life or that of their partners.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon removes or repositions tissues in the throat to widen the airway. This may include:
- Removal of the uvula
- Trimming of the soft palate
- Removal of the tonsils (if present)
- Removal of excess tissue from the pharynx
The goal is to increase the size of the airway and reduce the potential for airway collapse during sleep.
Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]
As with any surgical procedure, UPPP carries risks and potential complications, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Changes in voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nasal regurgitation
- Persistent sleep apnea or snoring
Patients should discuss these risks with their surgeon prior to the procedure.
Recovery[edit | edit source]
Recovery from UPPP can take several weeks. Patients may experience a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and changes in voice during the recovery period. Pain management and a soft diet are typically recommended.
Effectiveness[edit | edit source]
The effectiveness of UPPP varies among patients. Some experience significant improvement in symptoms, while others may have persistent sleep apnea or snoring. Success rates are higher in patients with specific anatomical features that contribute to airway obstruction.
Alternatives[edit | edit source]
Alternatives to UPPP include:
- CPAP therapy
- Oral appliances
- Other surgical procedures such as genioglossus advancement or maxillomandibular advancement
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
