Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP or UP3) with tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures done to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in adults. The surgery involves removal of the uvula at the end of the soft palate as well as the surrounding tissue which, in effect, shortens the soft palate and reduces redundant tissue volume in the airway.
Depending on the anatomical sites of airway obstruction UPPP surgery is often combined with nasal surgery, pillar procedure, or back of tongue surgery such as radiofrequency, genioglossus advancement (advancing the tissue of the back of tongue forward in the mouth) or hyoid suspension (pulling the airway just below the back of tongue forward).
Potential risks after surgery:
Sleepiness and periods of not breathing (apnea) related to the medicines that are used to relieve pain and help you sleep.
Swelling, pain, infection, or bleeding.
The surgery may result in a nasal quality to the voice.
