Uvulupalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) - Sleep Surgery

What is Uvulupalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)?

Uvulupalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a procedure used in sleep surgery for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea or snoring.

Blood thinners; Please notify your surgeon if you are currently taking any blood thinning medication (anticoagulants/antiplatelets), vitamins or herbal suppliments. These medications will need to be ceased prior to your surgery.
Fasting; To ensure the anaesthetic is as safe as possible, patient are required to fast (both solids & liquids) for at least 6 hours before their operation. The fasting times will be confirmed the day before the procedure.

Once asleep, the soft palate is repositioned forward. This creates more space for airflow at the back the nose. It is often done in conjunction with other sleep surgery procedures (tonsillectomy & tongue base coblation).

When you wake up; Patients will wake up in the recovery room and are often still drowsy from the anaesthesia. It will take several hours for the medication effects to wear off. A canula will be used to provide pain relief and fluids whilst you are still recovering.
Diet; Patients are encouraged to eat and drink as soon as possible. Often it is easier for patients to have a soft, cool diet. Maintaining good oral intake is important for the recovery of this operation.
Pain relief; Pain is common after the procedure and can be severe. All patients will be given strong pain relief and a pain plan prior to discharge.
Bleeding; A post-operative bleed can occur during the recovery from this procedure. Although the risk of a bleed is low, urgent medical attention is required if it occurs. A bleeding plan will be provided to the patient prior to their discharge from hospital.

Recovery from sleep surgery is usually 2-3weeks.