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Patient Dissatisfaction With UPPP Surgery For Apnoea

Mon, Mar 07, 2011

According to a study published recently in the JournalNormal oral cavity of Laryngology & Otology, a massive 61% of patients stated they would not choose to undergo uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) again.   This is despite the fact that UPPP is one of the most commonly used surgical procedures for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea / apnea.

The study found that the long term success of the UPPP operation is only 45%, with the majority of patients suffering extended periods of severe post-operative pain.Oral cavity after UPPP

Noted consequences of UPPP surgery include voice change and a tendency to regurgitate food through the nostrils.

Having said all of that, we believe there IS a place for UPPP and other surgical treatments for snoring and sleep apoea BUT these should only be considered as a last resort.  This is completely in line with current medical standards which promote surgical intervention only when no other less intrusive treatment is available or viable.

You can read the abstract at:

http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=399322