What Is Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)?
UPPP surgery is an outpatient procedure that removes the uvula as well as excessive tissue on the palate and throat that is causing an airway blockage in the throat. The treatment is often used on patients who exhibit signs of severe snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
What Conditions Can UPPP Treat?
UPPP can be performed by an ear, nose and throat specialist with New York ENT in order to treat the below conditions:
- Large uvula or elongated uvula
- Loud snoring due to large uvula or excessive soft tissue
- OSA caused by large uvula / extra soft tissue blocking the airway
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty Procedure
“New York ENT doctors perform UPPP surgery for sleep apnea by first putting patients under general anesthesia in order to ease discomfort during surgery. Then, doctors will depress the tongue to allow maximum visibility during the surgery.
Doctors use specialized medical tools to carefully remove the uvula from the back of the throat as well as to trim the excessive soft tissue from the affected area.
After, the area is closed using stitches and local anesthesia may be used to minimize pain after surgery.”
Benefits Of UPPP
Advantages of undergoing UPPP surgery at New York ENT include:
- Long-term relief from airway obstruction
- Higher level of oxygen intake, especially during sleep
- Improved snoring and OSA conditions
- Better sleep quality
- Lowered blood pressure, especially while sleeping
Schedule a Consultation
If you are suffering from OSA or snoring and believe you may benefit from UPPP, the first step is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor. Board-certified physicians with New York ENT have extensive experience treating a variety of sleep disorders. Fill out the form on this page or call our office at 212-873-6036 to schedule an appointment today.
