Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UP3/UPPP)

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UP3/UPPP) in general is the most common and oldest procedure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the United States. This procedure, introduced by Fujita in 1981, consists of tonsillectomy, reorientation of the anterior and posterior tonsillar pillars, and excision of the uvula and posterior rim of the soft palate. This is quite an invasive procedure that entails a general anesthetic and involves removal of the tonsils, uvula, and part of the soft palate.  In some patients, however, with moderate to severe OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP it is necessary.

The hardest part is not the surgery itself, but the recovery from this procedure.  There is significant pain for 7-15 days, as the area in the back of the throat heals, requiring pain medication regularly and a liquid or soft diet for that period.  This procedure is at times combined with tongue base reduction surgery when indicated. Dr. Jerome Vener and Dr. Alen Cohen in Los Angeles perform uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UP3/UPPP) in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea that are noted on exam to be good candidates and have failed CPAP treatment.