What is Uvulopalatoplasty?

Uvulopalatoplasty is a surgical technique that removes the uvula and associated soft-palate tissues. It does not remove or alter tonsils or lateral pharyngeal-wall tissues.

Snoring affects millions of people; it's thought to affect four out of ten men and up to three out of ten women. Most people deny that they snore and don’t admit it, but snoring can cause serious health problems. Sleep apnea, sleep apnoea or sleep apnœa is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep . These episodes, called apneas (literally, ‘without breath’), each last long enough so one or more breaths are missed, and occur repeatedly throughout sleep. The noise of snoring is caused by parts of the nose and throat; in particular, the soft palate; vibrating as you breathe in and out. At night, the muscles that help keep your airways open relax and become floppy. This causes the airways to narrow and vibrate more, making snoring more likely.

In the short-term, snoring can cause tiredness, irritability and restlessness during the day. This puts you at risk of accidents when driving. In the long-term, it can cause high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.

How is Snoring Reduction Performed?

A special RF electrode is used to make two vertical cuts on either side of the uvula.  These are joined by a horizontal cut and the uvula is removed.  Occasionally, the edge of the soft palate is trimmed as well.

How Will I Feel Post-op?

A white or gray membrane on the surgical site is normal and should disappear in 1 to 2 weeks. Patients should consume water and liquid foods for the first few days. Normal diet can resume after the fifth day. An antibiotic is usually prescribed for seven to ten days following the surgery. A local anaesthetic spray (Benzocaine) may be used topically to anaesthetize the throat and relieve any pain.  

What are the Risks and Benefits?

The danger of serious bleeding is over after you leave the hospital . In a small percentage of patients,  bleeding may occur after 6 to 8 days. If this happens, remain calm, as this bleeding usually stops spontaneously.

Am I a Candidate for Snoring Reduction?

Snoring affects nearly a quarter of the population. If you are in good health and want your partner to sleep in peace, you are a good candidate.

What are the Long Term Effects?

The majority of patients see a dramatic reduction or elimination of snoring.

Are There Any Other Options Available?

Uvulopharyngopalatoplasty (UPPP) costs $1100. The success rate is 69- 100% in reducing snoring, with more variable results in treating obstructive sleep apnea. The technique employed at the hospital involves removing tonsils, lateral pharyngeal mucosa on each side, the uvula and adjacent soft palate, with suture closure of the mucosa. You will spend one night in hospital. Complications may occur as a result of general anaesthesia and muscle excision.

Palatal Advancement shortening costs $1,300 and includes a one night stay in hospital. Surgical procedures designed to shorten, stiffen, or otherwise modify the palate may provide relief of upper airway collapse at the palatal level in patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

The Pillar® Implant System ($1500) is a minimally invasive implant that is used to stiffen the soft palate tissue to reduce the flutter that causes snoring and/or palatal obstruction of the upper airway in patients with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The Pillar Palatal Implant System changes the soft palate structure and its response to airflow. Placing three tiny implants into the muscle of the soft palate tissue adds structural support to and stiffens the soft palate to decrease snoring. The advantage is the procedure is the least invasive, is reversible and requires only one visit with a local anaesthetic. Ask your doctor which procedure will suit you best.

I am Interested in Snoring Reduction, What Do I Do Now?