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. Having swelling of your uvula, the tissue in the middle of your palate is also normal.
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.
Day 7 – 10 – It is not unusual for the pain to increase for 24 hours. This is normal. Take regular pain relief for this 24-hour period. After this period the pain usually subsides.
Pain relief
Panadol – Take this regularly for the first 3 days regardless of whether you are in pain or not.
Ibuprofen [Nurofen] – You can take Nurofen in combination with Panadol provided you are not allergic to it or have asthma. We recommend you take the Nurofen no more than 3 times a day and to take it during a meal as it can cause significant stomach to upset.
Endone – Take this pain relief only if you are in significant pain and the other medication is not working adequately.
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.
How much time do I need off work?
As a rule, most people have two weeks off work. You can go back to work at any time however you will (as a rule) not feel up to it for the first week.
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.
Post Operative instructions
You will be given post operative instructions prior to your surgery along with surgery booking information and on discharge.
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.