Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UP3) & Tonsillectomy

If other treatments fail in managing your sleep apnea several types of surgery may be considered. If your tissues in the back of your mouth (tonsils, uvula, or soft palate) are enlarged or sagging you may be a candidate for a UP3 (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) and tonsillectomy. This is an operation that resects the tonsils and uvula, shortens the soft palate and tightens the lateral pharyngeal walls (back of the throat). It requires a general anesthetic and incurs the same risks of a tonsillectomy. You often stay overnight in the hospital and generally will be on soft foods for one week. UP3 is often successful in treating snoring but has a variable outcome in treating OSAS.