Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Great Neck and Manhattan

Michael Setzen Otolaryngology, PC great neck, manhattan: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, or UPPP, is a surgical procedure that treats sleep apnea by removing excess tissue in the throat and, as a result, widens the airway. This allows air to move through the throat more easily when patient breathes, effectively reducing the symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea.

Candidates for UPPP

UPPP is recommended for patients with the following conditions:

Excess tissue in the nose, mouth or throat that blocks the airways and causes breathing abnormalities
Those for whom lifestyle changes and conservative treatments have failed
Those who are unable to tolerate the CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure treatment

In addition to widening the airway, UPPP also aims to improve the movement of air past the soft palate and help the airway remain open during sleep.

The UPPP Procedure

The UPPP procedure is performed in a hospital and requires general anesthesia and an overnight stay. During the UPPP procedure, tissue may be removed in order to expand the airway. Tissue may be removed from the following areas:

Uvula, or the finger-shaped tissue that hangs downward from the roof of the mouth into the throat
Soft palate, or the rear portion of the roof of the mouth
Throat
Tonsils

The amount of tissue removed will depend upon the location and severity of each patient’s individual condition. If an enlarged tongue is a factor in the patient’s sleep apnea, the doctor may also remove a small portion of the tongue, which is called a uvulopalatopharyngoglossoplasty.

The surgeon may use either a scalpel or newer laser methods such as LAUP, or Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty, in order to perform the UPPP.

Recovery usually takes about ten to 14 days, during which time patients may experience difficulty swallowing and/or sore throat. After the procedure, a sleep study may be required to determine if sleep apnea has improved.

Considerations and Risks of UPPP

While this procedure is considered safe, it is not recommended as an initial treatment, and is used more as a last resort. Patients should consider non-surgical treatments before choosing surgery.

UPPP has been found to alleviate snoring in many patients who have had this surgery, but results with sleep apnea vary from patient to patient.

Like any other surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with the UPPP procedure, that may include:

Swelling
Infection
Pain
Difficulty swallowing
Bleeding
Speech problems, or change to a more nasal quality of speech
Changes in food taste

While the procedure may be successful, the patient may still require the use of CPAP treatment. The doctor will discuss these risks as well as address any concerns prior to the procedure.

Office Opening

As the curve of the pandemic seems to be flattening, Dr. Setzen has decided to open his office with appropriate safety precautions according to the CDC and the New York Department of Health guidelines on Monday, May 18th, 2020. We look forward to seeing you back in the office, please call and make an appointment at 516-829-0045.

Covid-19 Patient information

This message is for all of our patients, we hope all are staying safe, healthy, and following all the necessary guidelines presented by both the state and Federal Government. Due to recent reports concerning the Coronavirus, we are monitoring the CDC and NYDOH websites and taking necessary precautions. If you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath and have recently traveled to China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Italy, or Iran, or you have been exposed to someone potentially infected with the Coronavirus, please contact the NYS Department of Health at 1-888-364-3065 instead of scheduling an appointment at our office if you are exhibiting signs and symptoms of an upper respiratory illness (cold or flu-like symptoms).

Any patients complaining of any recent loss of smell or taste, could potentially be at risk for COVID-19 and should seriously consider being tested.

I will continue to be available for both new and existing patients by phone and via Zoom, Skype, and Facetime as part of telemedicine. Or you can visit us at our office after Monday, May 18th, 2020.