Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, commonly called UPPP or palate surgery, removes excess throat tissue to widen the airway. The surgery typically removes the uvula (hanging tissue at the back of the throat), portions of the soft palate, and sometimes the tonsils if not previously removed. This may help reduce tissue collapse during sleep, which causes snoring and breathing interruptions in sleep apnoea.
UPPP surgery addresses anatomical factors causing airway obstruction at the soft palate and oropharynx (middle part of the throat). By creating more airway space, the procedure may reduce tissue vibration that causes snoring and can decrease the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep. The surgery may be considered for patients whose obstruction occurs primarily at the palate level, as determined through comprehensive sleep studies and physical examination.
Whilst UPPP has been performed for several decades, surgical techniques have evolved to improve outcomes and reduce post-operative discomfort. The procedure is one of the surgical interventions for obstructive sleep apnoea when conservative treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy prove unsuitable or ineffective.
