Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a surgical procedure designed to widen and stabilise the upper airway by removing or reshaping excess tissue in the throat. The operation is most often performed for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) or severe snoring when non-surgical options such as CPAP therapy are not effective or tolerated.

Dr Arjuna Ananda performs UPPP using advanced techniques, such as coblation, to reduce excess tissue bulk and improve airflow while minimising discomfort and recovery time.

Why UPPP May Be Recommended

UPPP may be considered for patients with:

• Obstructive sleep apnoea, where the airway collapses during sleep
• Severe, disruptive snoring that affectsthe  quality of sleep or relationships
• Enlarged tonsils or soft palate tissue obstructing airflow
• Inability to tolerate CPAP therapy or insufficient improvement with non-surgical management

The goal of UPPP is to improve oxygen flow during sleep, reduce apnoea episodes, and relieve associated symptoms such as fatigue and poor concentration.

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Patients with OSA often experience:

• Loud, persistent snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep, sometimes noticed by a partner
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating or mood changes
• Restless or unrefreshing sleep

What to Expect During Consultation

During your consultation, Dr Ananda will:

• Review your symptoms and medical history
• Examine your throat, soft palate, and tonsils
• Discuss your previous treatments, including CPAP use
• Recommend a sleep study (polysomnography) if not already completed
• Determine if UPPP or a combination of procedures (such as septoplasty, turbinate reduction, or tonsillectomy) is most suitable

How UPPP is Performed

• Anaesthesia: Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic
• Duration: The procedure usually takes 60–90 minutes
• Approach: All incisions are made inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars
• Technique: Tissue from the uvula, soft palate, and throat walls is reduced or reshaped; tonsils and adenoids may also be removed if enlarged
• Hospital stay: Most patients return home the same day, though some may stay overnight for monitoring
• Combination: UPPP can be combined with other airway procedures to address multiple sites of obstruction

Recovery After UPPP

Recovery times vary, but most patients can expect:

• Sore throat and discomfort for 1–2 weeks, managed with pain relief
• Dietary modifications (soft foods and fluids) during the early recovery period
• Improved breathing and sleep quality as healing progresses
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and assess effectiveness