UPPP
UPPP, or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes or reshapes the uvula, soft palate, and pharyngeal tissue to widen the airway. It is primarily performed to treat severe snoring and sleep apnea.
Text reviewed by specialist:
Ear, nose, and throat specialist, Somnologist
Published
Text updated
When to see a specialist
- Snoring: Loud and persistent snoring that disturbs other people’s sleep.
- Obstructive sleep apnea: Breathing pauses that occur due to airway obstruction and can cause daytime fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Common symptoms
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Daytime fatigue
Daytime fatigue with no clear cause. -
Memory difficulties
Remembering or recalling new information feels challenging. -
Morning headaches
Headaches that occur regularly upon waking in the morning, often associated with nocturnal oxygen deficiency. -
Nocturnal choking sensation or gasping for air
A feeling of not getting enough air during the night, which forces one to wake up and gasp for air. -
Restless and poor quality sleep
Frequent awakenings during the night, shallow sleep, and a feeling that sleep is not refreshing. -
Severe and disruptive snoring
Loud and continuous snoring that disturbs both the patient's own sleep and that of their bed partner. -
Sleep apnea or breathing pauses during sleep
Repeated short-term interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can last for tens of seconds and lead to oxygen deficiency.
How to prepare for your appointment
- Bring your ID card or other identification document to the clinic.
- Before the operation, an ENT consultation is necessary to assess the suitability of the operation. In addition, a sleep study is required, and often a more precise DISE study is performed to ensure the success of the surgical treatment.
- Always inform the doctor about all your medications, supplements, and allergies. Blood-thinning medications should not be used for at least 14 days before surgery or as directed by your doctor. Omega-3 and cod liver oil supplements increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided 14 days before surgery.
- Come for the operation only when completely healthy. There should be no fever, acute cough, or rhinitis at the time of the operation. Inform the clinic if you have fallen ill.
What to expect during your appointment
Consultation
Before the operation, an ENT consultation is necessary to assess the general health condition and the suitability and necessity of the operation. A sleep study and, if necessary, a DISE study will be performed.
On the day of the operation
Before the operation under general anesthesia, you must not have eaten for at least 6 hours and not drunk for at least 4 hours.
Operation
UPPP is performed under general anesthesia. Tonsils, (part of) the uvula, and pharyngoplasty are performed.
After the operation
After the operation, the patient is monitored for a few hours in the recovery room. UPPP is a day surgery operation, and you can go home on the same day.
Recovery
Recovery from the operation takes an average of 2-3 weeks. It is even recommended to avoid physical exertion for a little longer. During recovery, there will be pain when swallowing, which is why proper pain management, as advised by your doctor, is important.
Follow-up
A follow-up appointment will take place 4-6 weeks later, and if necessary, the sleep study will be repeated.
Specialists providing this service
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dr Anne-Ly MiggurEar, nose, and throat specialist
Kvartal Clinic – Specialist Medical Care and Occupational Health
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dr Eva Martina Põder
resident ear, nose, and throat specialist
Kvartal Clinic – Specialist Medical Care and Occupational Health
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dr Kristel Kivisild
Ear, nose, and throat specialist
Kvartal Clinic – Specialist Medical Care and Occupational Health
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dr Marina Tšerkassova
Ear, nose, and throat specialist
Jalgpalli kliinik, Ülemiste Health Centre, Rävala Clinic – Specialist Medical Care and Occupational Health
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dr Risto Vaikjärv
Ear, nose, and throat specialist, Somnologist
Rävala Clinic – Specialist Medical Care and Occupational Health
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dr Sirje Teppo
Ear, nose, and throat specialist
Kvartal Clinic – Specialist Medical Care and Occupational Health
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Payment & Appointment Info
Prices
Tallinn
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Plastic surgery of the uvula, palate and pharynx (UPPP) The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. | 1200 € |
Everywhere else in Estonia
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Plastic surgery of the uvula, palate and pharynx (UPPP) The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. | 1200 € |
Payment methods
The service at Tartu Kvartal clinic is funded by the Health Insurance Fund based on a referral. To book an appointment funded by the Health Insurance Fund, please call +372 605 1500 or write to klienditugi@meliva.ee.
Referral
An appointment with a specialist is required first to assess whether the service is suitable or necessary.
Clinics offering this service
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Frequently Asked Questions
What determines the effectiveness of UPPP?
The effectiveness of UPPP surgery primarily depends on where and how the airways narrow or collapse during sleep. The operation yields the best results when the main problem is located in the soft palate and pharyngeal area.
Can I start snoring again after the operation?
Yes, it is possible. Over time, weight gain, age-related tissue laxity, or other changes in the airways can exacerbate snoring and sleep apnea again.
Is UPPP an alternative to CPAP therapy?
In some cases, yes, but not always. For some patients, surgery is well-suited, especially if the problem is in the soft palate area. In other cases, CPAP may remain the most effective treatment or may be necessary even after surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the results of the sleep study and the structure of the airways.