[Surgical treatment of severe snoring. Long-term effects]

The long-term results of uvulopalapharyngoplasty (UPPP) reported by patients who had been operated for severe snoring but without clinically significant obstructive sleep apnoea were explored.

Median three years (one to eight years) after the operation follow-up results were obtained from 80 of 85 patients (94%), using a questionnaire.

In nine patients (11%) the operation had been without any effect. Eleven patients (14%) indicated that they were completely cured of snoring. In sixty patients (75%) snoring was reduced. In about half of these the initial effect had been more pronounced than the present. About 60% of the patients felt better during daytime, were less tired or sleepy than before the operation. Slight or temporary side effects were present in 30% of the patients. Eighty percent of the patients would recommend the operation to others.

This study confirms that UPPP is effective in relieving the symptoms in non-apnoeic snorers, without significant side effects. A certain reduction of the positive effect occurs during the first two years in about half of the patients. Nevertheless most patients are satisfied with the operation and would recommend it to others.