Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is the most common sleep apnea surgery. The uvulopalatopharyngoplasty procedure removes part of the soft tissue in the back of the palate including the uvula, tonsils and excess tissue in the throat.

          When someone swallows, the soft tissue at the end of the palate pulls up and seals the back of the mouth to prevent food from getting up into the nose. This upward pulling also opens the eustachian tubes ( ear tubes ) which is necessary for normal air flow through the ear tubes.

          Once removed in the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty surgery, the soft palatal tissue that was removed can never be replaced. It was there to guard the back of the nose but once removed, food and liquids enter the back of the nose and get stuck there. This is quite upsetting and often disturbs many patients so much that they deeply regret having the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

          In obstructive sleep apnea, the soft palate can fall downwards and block the airway. However, the most common cause is not the soft palate but rather the tongue falling backwards. If the tongue is the real culprit, having the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty could be useless.

          If you have sleep apnea and would like to consult with Dr. Padolsky about alternatives other than surgery, please make an appointment by calling 404-874-7428.