Surgeries for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

Palatoplasty, in general, refers to a surgical procedure performed on the palate, which is the roof of the mouth. One such technique called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), may be used to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea by removing excess tissue from the soft palate and uvula, or repositioning and tightening the muscles of the throat to reduce airway obstruction during sleep. Patients with a good anatomy will find this specialised surgical procedure very effective.

The surgical techniques involved in UPPP may vary depending on the specific anatomy and severity of obstruction. Some cases may require a uvula resection where the uvula (teardrop-shaped tissue in the back of the throat) may be partially or completely removed to reduce its size and prevent vibration during sleep.