uvulopalatopharyngoplastiek

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, often abbreviated as UPPP, is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and reducing loud snoring by enlarging the upper airway. The operation typically involves removing or reshaping tissue in the throat, especially around the soft palate and uvula, and may include adjustments to the tonsils or other surrounding tissue to reduce airway collapse during sleep.

Indications for UPPP include persistent snoring or OSA that does not respond to or is not tolerated with non-surgical treatments such as lifestyle changes or positive airway pressure devices. The procedure is most likely to help patients whose obstruction is localized to the soft palate and oropharyngeal region. Outcomes are variable; some individuals experience meaningful improvement in airway patency and sleep quality, while others see limited benefit and may require additional treatments.

Risks and recovery considerations are similar to other throat surgeries. Potential complications include pain, bleeding, infection, difficulties with swallowing or speech, temporary or permanent changes in voice, and, in some cases, velopharyngeal insufficiency that can affect nasal regurgitation or resonance. Recovery typically involves sore throat for about one to two weeks, with gradual return to normal activity and possible follow-up procedures if necessary.

History and context: UPPP emerged in the late 20th century as a means to address airway obstruction at the level of the soft palate. Several modern approaches have evolved from the basic procedure, including variants and adjunctive surgeries that target additional sites of obstruction, reflecting ongoing efforts to tailor treatment to individual airway anatomy and severity.