Endoscopic uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Endoscopic uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at widening the upper airway by correcting the soft palate, uvula, and lateral pharyngeal walls.
The procedure is performed using endoscopic equipment, allowing precise tissue handling, minimizing trauma, and accelerating recovery. Its main goal is to eliminate airway obstruction, most commonly in patients with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Indications

• Chronic snoring
• Obstructive sleep apnea (mild to moderate)
• Upper airway obstruction at the level of the soft palate
• Hypertrophy of the soft palate and uvula
• Ineffectiveness of conservative treatment (CPAP therapy, medications)
• Frequent awakenings and poor sleep quality

Procedure / Duration

• The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
• Using an endoscope, the surgeon visualizes the operative field and performs correction of the soft palate, partial removal or reduction of the uvula, and excess pharyngeal tissue.
• Average duration: 40–90 minutes.
• In most cases, short-term hospitalization (1 day) is required.

Contraindications

• Severe decompensated systemic diseases
• Coagulation disorders
• Acute infectious diseases
• Severe obesity (relative contraindication)
• Severe sleep apnea without adjunctive therapy
• Oncological diseases of ENT organs

Recovery / Restrictions

• Sore throat for 5–10 days
• Soft diet (non-irritating, non-hot foods)
• Limitation of physical activity for 10–14 days
• Avoidance of alcohol and smoking during healing
• Possible temporary nasal speech or foreign body sensation
• Full recovery on average within 2–3 weeks

Advantages

• Minimally invasive and highly precise due to endoscopic technique
• Reduction or elimination of snoring
• Improved sleep quality and blood oxygenation
• Short recovery period
• Minimal risk of complications
• Long-lasting results

Surse

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1942134-overview?form=fpf
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2735429/
https://www.entnet.org/resource/position-statement-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3793315/