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UPPP involves removal of the tonsils, the posterior surface of the soft palate, and the uvula. The uvula is then folded toward the soft palate and sutured together as demonstrated in the figures. In the US, UPPP is the most commonly performed procedure for obstructive sleep apnea with approximately 33,000 procedures performed per year.
It is an out-patient procedure, in which a laser is used to remove parts or all of the uvula at the rear of the mouth. [1] The surgery usually requires three to five visits, with each lasting less than 30 minutes. [2] It is performed with the patient awake under local anesthesia, and normal functions can be resumed after the operation.
The uvula can also contribute to snoring or heavy breathing during sleep; having an elongated uvula can cause vibrations that lead to snoring. In some cases this can lead to sleep apnea, which may be treated by removal of the uvula or part of it if necessary, an operation known as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (commonly referred to as UPPP, or UP3).
A swollen uvula (aka uvulitis) can have various causes, but isn't common. From viral infections to snoring, doctors share the possible reasons your uvula is swollen. ... A visit to an ENT or sleep ...
With obstructive sleep apnea, the mouth and throat relax when a person is unconscious, sometimes blocking or narrowing the airway. That interrupts breathing, as well as sleep. Without treatment ...
For habitual snoring, the soft palate and the uvula are targeted; For obstructive sleep apnea, the base of the tongue and other airway structures are targeted; Note: the actual areas targeted depends on each individual's specific anatomy, so the above are just general associations.