Post Operative Instructions (UPPP) - Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, or UPPP, is a common surgery to treat obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) or severe snoring. UPPP widens your airway by removing or restructuring tissue in the back of your throat.
What to expect
Day 1 – This is usually the worst day of pain. Take regular pain relief. Drink plenty of water and have regular icy poles. Your throat has some stitches in it and your throat may also have a white appearance, both of which are normal.
Swelling: The uvula (tissue in the middle of the palate) will be significantly swollen; this will resolve over several weeks.
Day 2 – 3 – Take regular pain relief regardless of whether you are in pain or not. Keep your fluids up. If you don’t feel like eating, then you don’t have to, but drinking is essential. Also ensure you have regular icy poles. At this stage you usually have bad breath which is normal.
Day 3 – 7 : Take pain relief only as required. Pain is often significant, particularly in the throat, jaw, and ears, and may peak around day 7–10.
Other Medications
Having a white coating on your throat and bad breath is normal. It is also normal to feel like you have a cold. This is not an infection. There is no indication for antibiotics in most cases after a UPPP.
Diet: Avoid hot foods and drinks for 2 weeks as these can increase the risk of bleeding. I am referring to the temperature of the food, not spiciness. Cooked meals are fine but let the food cool down before eating it.
Citrus (acidic) drinks such as orange juice and spicy foods may cause some throat discomfort but are not dangerous to have. Often milk, ice cream and yoghurt are soothing for the throat.
In the first few days, carbonated drinks may feel like they are coming up through the back of the nose. This is temporary.
Sleeping: Sleep with your head elevated (on 2–3 pillows) to reduce throat swelling.
How much time do I need off work?
Time Off Work: Plan for 1–2 weeks off from work, depending on your job type.
What do I do if I get bleeding?
A small amount of bleeding post operatively is common. If this does happen, rinse your mouth with water.
Please do not make any travel plans during the first 3 weeks after a UPPP.
When To Call the Doctor
Please contact Dr Sharon Kellys rooms if you experience any of the following
- Your sleep apnoea symptoms worsening.
- Blood in your saliva.
- Food getting stuck in your throat or trouble swallowing.
- Signs of an infection, like fever, redness, swelling or pus.
Emergency
If bleeding continues then proceed to the emergency department of the hospital of where you had your surgery. The hospital staff will advise Dr Kelly after you have been assessed. Your GP will not be able to manage the problem.
For all after hour emergencies please contact the on call ENT Specialist on 0466 002 816