We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty?

Niki Acker
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,384
Share

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPP) is a surgery in which certain tissues of the throat are removed. Depending upon the needs of the patient, the tissues removed may or may not include portions of the uvula, soft palate, tonsils, adenoids, and the pharynx. UPP is used to treat sleep apnea, a disorder in which the air passage in the throat closes during sleep, resulting in oxygen deprivation, sudden awakening, and loud snoring.

Depending on patient, a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty may be performed in isolation, or as part of a treatment plan called the Stanford Protocol. The Stanford Protocol is a series of surgeries organized into two phases. In the first phase, soft tissues that may be blocking the airway are removed or restructured, often including the base of the tongue. If the patient still has problems breathing at night, but there have been no complications as a result of the first phase procedures, the Stanford Protocol proceeds to the second phase, in which the jaws and tongue are moved forward in a surgical procedure called maxillomandibular advancement.

While the Stanford Protocol has a high success rate, with 60 to 70 percent of patients completely cured, and 90 percent experiencing significant improvement, UPP in isolation often has disappointing results. In addition, it is a matter of debate how much uvulopalatopharyngoplasty contributes to the ultimate success of the Stanford Protocol. UPP also carries a number of risks that make its usefulness questionable.

In some cases, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty can cause the formation of scar tissue that restricts the airway more than before, resulting in even worse sleep apnea. Many UPP patients also have problems with severe acid reflux after the procedure. Bleeding, swelling, infection, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing are other potential complications.

Some patients who undergo uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in isolation develop speech impediments as a result. Though uncommon in English speakers, speech problems resulting from UPP often include a nasal quality to the voice. If the uvula is removed, the patient will no longer be able to produce uvular sounds, such as the "r" sound in standard Parisian French.

Recovery after UPP takes about three weeks, during which it can be very difficult to swallow. The post-surgical medication can cause sleeplessness and worsen sleep apnea. Even in cases in which uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is initially helpful in preventing snoring, the sleep apnea tends to recur within a few years without maxillomandibular advancement. Only 60 percent of patients who have undergone UPP in isolation say that they would undergo the surgery again.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Niki Acker
By Niki Acker
"In addition to her role as a WiseGeek editor, Niki Foster is passionate about educating herself on a wide range of interesting and unusual topics to gather ideas for her own articles. A graduate of UCLA with a double major in Linguistics and Anthropology, Niki's diverse academic background and curiosity make her well-suited to create engaging content for WiseGeekreaders. "

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By catapult43 — On Sep 24, 2010

Swollen tonsil, if occurring too often is best when removed.

I would not do it lightly because tonsils do serve a purpose.

The surgery is relatively simple and straight forward.

By mentirosa — On Sep 24, 2010

This surgery sounds pretty drastic to me. Yes, if somebody is suffering from severe snoring and lack of oxygen while sleeping, the surgery for snoring might be necessary, because snoring is not only annoying but it is a health hazard.

I just wish there was something less drastic available as a cure.

Niki Acker
Niki Acker
"In addition to her role as a WiseGeek editor, Niki Foster is passionate about educating herself on a wide range of...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-an-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.