Uvulopharyngopalatoplasty (UPPP)
Uvulopharyngopalatoplasty (UPPP) This was first described by Ikematsu (3) for the treatment of snoring. Fujita (8) noted its beneficial effects in obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. The success rate is 69- 100% in reducing snoring (24), with more variable results in treating obstructive sleep apnea (11). The technique employed at the Sleep Surgery Centre involves removing tonsils, lateral pharyngeal mucosa on each side., the uvula and adjacent soft palate, with suture closure of the mucosa. Complications occur as a result of general anesthesia and muscle excision (12,13).
See photo gallery for a more complete understanding of this operation.