Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPP) is a surgery designed to help treat and prevent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA happens when the throat muscles relax during sleep and block airflow to the lungs.
OSA can cause exhaustion, loud snoring and headaches and prevent you from enjoying a walk around Bicentennial Park without the lingering fogginess of a poor night’s sleep. UPPP is one surgical option for OSA you can consider to get a better night’s rest.
A study on UPPP surgery found that “UPPP and its modification are an effective surgical method for adult OSA in both the short term and the long term after the surgery.” Let’s examine UPPP surgery a little more closely.
What Happens During Surgery
The average UPPP surgery will take about two hours, depending on what tissue needs to be removed. Your surgeon will put you under general anesthesia and remove the obstructive tissue. Tissue removed may include all or part of the uvula, tonsils and soft palate.
If there are other causes of sleep apnea, UPPP may be performed alongside other procedures to correct structural issues in the airway. After a successful procedure, your soft tissue will not be able to collapse during sleep. You, and those around you, can enjoy a good night’s rest without snoring or breathing trouble.
Preparations Before Surgery
Prior to surgery, you should take the following steps:
- Review your medical history with your provider. Before scheduling surgery, your provider will ask questions to establish proper candidacy for UPPP. This may include candidates for whom other medical treatments have been unsuccessful.
- Avoid tobacco products. Tobacco can damage your throat and slow your healing time.
- Arrange a ride home. Ask your provider about recovery time and arrange your ride home accordingly.
- Stop eating or drinking. Follow instructions given to you by your provider to stop eating and drinking ahead of time. If you do not follow the instructions exactly, the surgery may be canceled or rescheduled.
You may experience some soreness or discomfort while eating after surgery that should go away as you heal. Try to eat soft foods during your recovery to prevent pain or discomfort.
To speak to an ear, nose and throat specialist about your obstructive sleep apnea, contact Foothills ENT today.