Airway expansion procedures / Procedures for snoring

Airway expansion procedures: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) / lateral sphincter expansion pharyngoplasty

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is surgery to open the upper airways by taking out extra tissue in the throat to treat obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) This helps to open up the upper airway and breathe better at night and have good night sleep

Aim of the procedure:

The aim of the procedure is to improve upper airway for breathing, thereby reducing snoring, excessive day time sleepiness.

During the procedure the tonsils are removed and the airway is widened by repositioning the muscles. The entire procedure will be performed through the oral cavity and no external incision will be made.

The procedure will be carried out under general anaesthesia. If you have any concerns on the risks and benefits of anaesthesia, please discuss with anaesthetist prior to surgery.

What are the possible risks of the surgery:

Bleeding may occur at the time of surgery or in the first 2 weeks after surgery, which may need extended hospitalisation.

Infection which is indicated by a persistent bad breath, worsening throat discomfort or delayed bleeding. This is treatable with antibiotics.

Injury to the teeth, lips, gums or tongue may occur rarely.

There can also be a temporary change in sensations to tongue.

Velopharyngeal insufficiency occurs if the velum is not long enough to reach the pharyngeal wall. It results in hypernasality and/or nasal air emission during speech.

Regurgitation of food through the nose.

1% of cases may require post operative observation in ICU.

Persistence of snoring.

Post-procedure care and follow-up:

Following the procedure, you will be having throat pain for which analgesics will be administered. Cold food items, like ice cream, are to be consumed on the first day alone. From the following day onwards till the wound heals properly, consumption of bland soft solids is encouraged. Regular mouth gargling is to be done regularly for atleast the first week.

You will be discharged the next day or once the pain becomes tolerable. This will usually be the day after the surgery. While at home, is advisable to avoid intake of spicy foods or sharp and hard foods. You are requested to report immediately to your doctor if you experience any oral bleed.